Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When I wake up to the sound of demons
They’re always telling me that I’m no good
And all the angels keep scratching at my door
I’m doing what I can to fight this anger
I’m just a product of a living hell
And I don’t wanna live like this no more
Everything is crumbling in my head
Sometimes I wish I was

1.

“Okay, maybe this… No, that’s wrong… What if-?” The train of creation was cut off by a warm feeling settling in the pit of Lucifer’s stomach. Suddenly, the king sat up straight, looking around. It was late. Much later than he’d intended on being here. ’I hope Lily’s not upset…’

The feeling started to grow.

’Oh, a summons,’ he realized with a sigh. At least he could look through the desperate soul’s eyes and decide if he wanted to answer.

He usually didn’t.

This one was panicked and desperate just as they always were, and no wonder. The gaze showed a lanky brunet smiling at them… with a bloody… What was that? Not a knife, but still long and sharp… Whatever it was, he gave it a good, long… almost sultry lick. “You really should have learned some manners,” the killer preened. “Although, if I’m being honest, I’m rather glad you haven’t. If pieces of shit like you didn’t exist, I’d be awfully bored.”

“Pieces of shit like me?!?” the victim snarled back, the lanky man only minimally regarding them, and with amusement, no less. “You’re fucking killing me! All I did was get a divorce and remarry!”

Intense, dark brown eyes, almost red around the edges, smiled back. “No,” he whispered hotly, even tone still seething with rage. “You didn’t just ‘get a divorce;’ you ruined that poor woman’s whole life! A simple divorce would have been a mercy!” The snarl was so fierce, Lucifer had a hard time believing it had come from such a scrawny frame. “Now, how about we bring this performance to its exciting conclusion?”

The warm feeling in the king’s stomach grew. That mortal was killing on behalf of another? And he was clearly enjoying it, brown eyes alight with a joy close to delirium, and the longer Lucifer looked, the more he saw red.

Not blood. Not only blood.

The killer’s eyes burned even more brightly in two different shades of the hue, his hair, his suit- all but his skin was drenched in the color while the man himself cackled with sadistic joy.

’That one,’ everything in the king demanded. ‘I want that one.’

Now curious, the blond put himself together in a literal snap, and let himself be pulled to the scene.

A barn, it looked like, but a clean one, and housed no animals. The man who’d called to him was bound tightly to a chair, gagged and bleeding profusely onto a large piece of plastic that had been placed underneath him.

The killer was slowly stabbing through the man’s throat, keeping eye contact while all signs of life left him. The killer groaned, filled with pleasure, again taking his time licking his weapon clean while eyeing his handiwork.

“I do hope you know where that’s been.”

The brunet head jolted to attention so quickly his oval-framed glasses nearly went askew.

“There’s no telling how many diseases a random mortal could have.”

“… The fuck are you, and why are you on my property?” There wasn’t a shred of panic or even unease in the tone, just a stated question while tightening his grip on his weapon.

Ha! Yeah, no. Without making a single move otherwise, the visitor shifted to the form the mortal would no doubt find more familiar.

The weapon clattered to the floor.

“Hello,” the king smiled, and shifted back. “Lucifer Morningstar, a pleasure to meet you…?”

“Al-Alastor. Legare,” the darker-toned man managed, even offering a polite bow.

How cute. “Alastor. A pleasure. As for why I’m here, the man you just murdered was desperate enough to be saved from his fate that he was willing to make a deal with me.”

Dark eyes glanced back at the corpse draining blood to the plastic-coated floor. “At the risk of being rude, Your Highness, it doesn’t appear that any deal was made.”

Why did hearing his rank from this man thrill himself so? “Yes, well, unfortunately for him, I took a much more elevated interest in you.”

“Me?” The first hints of unease were visible in his slightly furrowed brow and almost-step back. “Why?”

“Were you really killing him for seeking out another partner, and legally, no less? Last I knew, that wasn’t a fatal offense.”

“…All in who you ask,” Alastor replied darkly.

“Interesting set of morals you have there,” Lucifer chuckled, and with a snap, a small garden table with two chairs appeared. He took a seat. “I’d like to hear more about them.”

“I-I’d like that as well, but I do need to clean up before-“

Another snap vanished the body and mess attached.

“…My meat…”

Lucifer laughed despite himself. “I am sorry about that; perhaps there is something I can do to make it up to you?” he asked, eyeing the brunet suggestively.

Who, to his surprise, wrinkled his face in disgust, realized what he’d done, and bowed his head. “My profuse apologizes, Your Highness.”

And the blond put it together. This mortal wasn’t using his own rank out of fear or even obligation- Alastor was using the rank because he meant it. He truly saw himself as royalty deserving the respect. It… had been a while. “I’m not offended, but could I ask why the thought repulses you so much?”

The brunet head slowly rose again, and gently shrugged. “In short, it just… always has.”

“Ah, I see. Come, sit; I’d still like to talk with you more.”

The taller man paused.

“I promise you, Alastor, I’m not in the habit of bedding unwilling partners- that takes all the fun out of it.”

There was a small, self-chiding look, and the darker-toned man took the seat across from the visitor.

“Not to mention it would make my wife terribly unhappy, as she shares the view- and that’s the very last thing I aim to do,” he added, hoping adding the information would help ease his companion. He and Lily were more close friends than husband and wife at this point, but he still cherished her opinion- even when he disagreed with it.

It appears to have worked, dark eyes now sparking in interest. “Your wife. That would be Li- Queen Lilith, I presume?”

A soft smile set itself in place on the king’s face. So glad at least that part of the story was still on track. “Yes. Now, would you enlighten me on this code of yours?”

“…Would it be impudent of me to ask why you’re interested?”

“At this point, a little.”

Alastor gave a single nod of understanding. “Could I ask for clarification on what exactly you’re asking about, then?”

“That man just now, he seemed to think you were killing him over a divorce? Is his ex-wife a friend of yours?”

“Not the divorce itself, and no,” the mortal deadpanned. “He drove his wife insane so he could get her committed, get a divorce and still be a sympathetic party, then marry his mistress.”

“You can prove that?”

“Not with enough feasibility to satisfy a court.”

“So, you took matters into your own hands. And, if I may, appears it was not for the first time.”

The brunet gave a light scoff. “No. I was fourteen the first time; I’m now nearly thirty.”

“Evaded authorities all this time? Impressive, truly.”

“I thank you.”

“Could I ask what would offend a fourteen-year-old to that degree?”

“The fourteen-year-old got good and tired of his asshole father beating the shit out of himself and his mother.”

Again, no anger in the tone, just a stated summary of the situation. “That would do it,” the blond agreed. “And kept going? Gained something of a vigilante mindset?”

“No. I know I’m fucked, but that’s fine; the world has less assholes that can’t control themselves in it.”

Lucifer smiled.

“Your Highness?”

“You remind me of someone,” the blond replied simply, and stood. “I’m taking my leave for now; enjoy the rest of your night,” he told his companion, and was gone in a small swirl of flame and brimstone, leaving the other man to wonder what the hell had just happened.

“I just met the king of Hell… who promptly hit on me… and seemed to think it was funny that it made me sick. Still wanted to talk…” He glanced again to the chair he knew he’d just killed an asshole in. It still sat empty, not a trace of blood. And this new table and chairs…

’Is he going to come back?’

’Do I want him to come back?’ Providing that what he’d just seen was the king’s actual personality… ’Yes, I think I do.’
It was just all in Lucifer’s -clawed- hands. While there were people in Alastor’s life that he’d found pretty, or aesthetically pleasing, he’d never actually felt attraction to anyone. Or, at least, what he’d been told attraction felt like. Bugs moving in your stomach, cold and hot all at once- he’d never known the like.

But at the sight of that man’s black, clawed hands… it was pretty close.

Just as the brunet was deciding what to do with his suddenly-free night, the draining corpse reappeared, just as he’d left it before his unexpected guest had arrived. And, as he approached it, saw a note pinned to the dead man’s lapel.

‘Sorry! -L’

There was a simple drawing of a duck at the bottom. It was… kind of cute.

Alastor set the note aside, out of the way of possibly getting bloodied, and went to work.

&&
&&

In the glow of Hell’s bright red morning, it wasn’t a surprise to Lucifer to know Lilith had risen before him… but was she still home? What about Charlotte? Lucifer stretched out his senses further to check.

While he didn’t sense their daughter, Lily was in her office. Char was probably with any number of possible babysitters/tutors. Lucifer had agreed to watch her last night, and… Well. Lilith didn’t like their daughter in his workshop, saying she was afraid the girl would get hurt. He physically stretched, got up, physically stretched again, dressed in a snap, and walked down a few hallways to see her- dearly hoping she wasn’t upset about the previous night.

He tapped his knuckles on the door, and she called him in. She didn’t sound angry, at least.

“Good morning, Luci,” the woman smiled in greeting, moving her chair to face him and welcomed his offered embrace, he breathing in her soft, flowery scent.

“Good morning, Lily. I… I apologize for last night. Perhaps I could make it up to you?”

“Perhaps you could,” she smiled back, but he saw a tiredness there, a tiredness he’d seen before.

’Help her,’ his instincts urged him for the millionth time. ’At least try.’

He looked over her shoulder at the neatly piled papers on the desk. “What are you working on?”

There was a moment of silence that he was pretty sure was Lilith replaying the words in her head. Just as he was starting to panic that he’d used the wrong ones again, she asked, “You’re interested in what I’m working on?”

He gave a nod. “Is there a territory dispute?” came the question, seeing two official-looking claims for the same area.

“Yes. One of these has to be a forgery, but whoever forged it did do a problematically good job.”

“Sometimes another pair of eyes helps. Can I take a look?”

“Of course,” she smiled, handing him the pages, the same hand then carding through the small hairs at the base of his neck.

It felt nice. “This isn’t Ozzie’s sigil,” he realized. “Probably some minion trying to gain points with him.”

“I was about to look up both sigils on other official documents to be sure myself, but you’re all the confirmation I need, Luci,” the woman spoke, and gave his cheek a kiss. “I’ll let him know at the meeting this afternoon.”

“Meeting?”

“Mm-hm.”

“A-About what?”

“Why Luci, if I didn’t know any better, I’d say you’re taking an interest in ruling again.”

“Is… that bad?”

“Not at all, Love,” she smiled fondly at him. “It warms my heart to see you taking an interest in these matters. As long as you’re not doing it out of guilt, of course.”

“I don’t think so, no.”

“Good. Did you want to attend the meeting with me?”

“As long as my presence wouldn’t be… disruptive.”

“I’m sure there will be some surprise at first, but nothing we can’t power through. It’s just an update meeting, should only be an hour or so- unless someone starts a fight.”

Lucifer snorted, shaking his head. Put a bunch of people used to getting their own way in the same room and watch the fun. “Sure. I’ll come; I’ll have to stop keeping the world at arm’s length some time, won’t I?”

“I know I was certainly hoping,” Lilith replied kindly. “You tend to do things best when it’s in your own time. Can I ask what brought this on?”

“You can, but I’m not sure how you’ll feel about the answer.” As stated, their marriage wasn’t really a marriage at this point, and even when it was it hadn’t been a picture of monogamy… But only Lily had really taken that far an interest in someone besides himself before. He never had, and for that reason, this felt more significant.

She pulled him fully to her lap. “I’m warned.”

“I, ah, felt a summons last night. The guy making it wasn’t very interesting, but… shit. The guy killing him was.”

“You took an interest in a Sinner? And while alive, no less?”

At least she sounded humored. “Yeah,” the king mumbled. “He… wasn’t startled when he saw me but was soooo formal once he knew who I am, but he didn’t start glazing over his words, either. As blunt as they come but still so polite. He’s… interesting.”

“Did you get this interesting man’s name?”

Her expression was still amused, interested herself. “Alastor. Would… you like to meet him, too?”

“Perhaps. What did he say that brought about this change?”

“I guess… No one here’s really seen me as a ruler in a long time, and I get that, I do, I hide in my workshop all the time, but…”

“Getting that respect made you want to start earning it again?”

“Yeah,” he realized.

The woman chuckled. “I trust this man was handsome as well?”

“I mean… I thought so. Again, you could certainly meet him yourself.”

“Perhaps I will. Would you like to keep helping me here until the meeting?”

“If I can stay on your lap, absolutely.”

“Of course you can,” Lilith cooed, and held him close while turning back towards the desk.

&&
&&

Have you ever been abused by someone
So brutal that it chills your soul?
Have you even been afraid of your own ghost?
I’m just a creature of a broken past
We’re all looking for a second chance
And I don’t want to live like this no more
And all the madness rages in my head
Sometimes I wish I was

The hour at which Alastor woke wasn’t one most would call early, but most didn’t do the majority of their living at night. And although parts of the previous night had been… unexpected, he did know what it was to wake in the morning after spending half the night cutting up, portioning, and burying the remnants of a body.

Sore.

Fucking sore.

His entire form groaned in protest when he rose just after ten am, but as he moved and stretched, the pain lessened. And he knew from past experience that it’d only be there a couple days. Maybe three.

About to hit thirty, after all. That’s when people claimed mobility started going to shit.

’Coffee. I need coffee,” he finally decided, and made his way to the kitchen.

&

A few hours and two cups of coffee later, he was feeling much better.

It was a little terrifying how normal the day was, given his night. The elegant garden chairs and table were still in the barn’s entrance, otherwise the brunet would have been inclined to think his psyche was starting to turn on him.

Still a little early for senility.

And the day played out as a usual workday. He got himself dressed and presentable for the public, drove into the city from his not-quite farmhouse, and arrived at the radio station promptly at two o’clock. His show started at four-thirty; that gave him plenty of time to settle in and to read a final once-over of the stories he’d telling that night.

A completely. Mundane. Day.

“Well now, it’s time once again for me to sign off. As always, thank you for joining me, and I look forward to meeting again tomorrow.” Alastor flicked off the power and sat back in the chair to stretch. Four hours was a long time to hold a single position, even if it was sitting.

As he left the room, Charles, someone he found on the upper end of tolerable, was passing by. “Bravo, as always,” the blond greeted him.

“Why, thank you; I do try.”

“Some of us are heading out to the club soon- care to join?”

Alastor’s mind was still reeling a bit from the encounter the night before. A night out with some whiskey could prove grounding. “Sure,” he smiled.

“Great! Give you a ride?”

“Thank you, but no; I’ll meet you all there.”

“Sounds good. See you in a few.”

Alastor gave a nod, stopped by his office to collect the stories sent in to be familiar with by his broadcast the next night, and headed out to his car. Mimzy should be performing tonight. As annoying as she could be, that woman could put on a damn good show.

But a little later on, when he’d just settled in at the bar with his drink, the corner of his eye saw a woman take the seat beside him. A lovely sight for sure, blond hair billowing down a red dress that simmered with sequins. She smiled his way, and he couldn’t help being momentarily entranced by her long eyelashes and shimmering light blue eyes. “Good evening,” a voice as gentle as afternoon rain greeted him.

“Good evening,” he replied politely, and took another sip of his drink.

“You here by yourself, Sugar?”

Alastor’s dark eyes narrowed, sighing. It was allegedly a good thing to be found attractive in this world, but he’d never found the merits.

The woman laughed lightly then. “Goodness, Luci was right- you don’t like that at all, do you?”

The man stalled. “Lu-? Your Highness?” he ventured quietly.

“Call me Lilith,” she continued to smile.

“I could never, that would-“

A long, pale finger settled over his lips. “I insist,” she spoke, and he gave a bewildered nod.

“Is… your husband here as well?”

“Oh, no; Luci had quite the day- he’s all tuckered out.”

“I can’t imagine what a ‘long day’ would entail for either of you.”

Lilith laughed again. “It’s not as bad as you think. Probably. But given that I’m in a much lighter mood, I thought I’d come over and see what all the fuss was about.”

“Fuss?” he asked.

The woman smiled knowingly.

Alastor felt himself flush and hated every second. “My lady, I fear I may leave you disappointed.”

“I already find that very unlikely.”

Before he could think of a possible reply, a loud, familiar tone called out his name. ’Oh no, not now,’ he groaned internally. “I deeply apologize, my lady.”

“That’s twice you’ve not listened to my only request thus far.”

“My apologizes again, Lilith,” he managed just before being pelted with a tight hug from behind. At least his mild embarrassment served to make the queen chuckle.

“Alastor!” the newcomer chimed indignantly. “Didn’ ya hear me call you?”

“Surely you don’t expect me to just up and leave a conversation, do you, Mimzy?”

“Conversation? You’re actually talkin’ to someone? Ohhh,” she realized, looking the taller woman up and down. “You sly thing; did you finally get yourself a girl?”

“A-ha, not quite,” he managed, swallowing the growing embarrassment. If only she knew who she was in the presence of… Oh, fuck- knowing Mimzy, she’d try to meet and then promptly hit on Lucifer.

…Would he go for it? ’It doesn’t matter, I don’t care either way.’

“Hi,” Mimzy greeted the taller woman, even offering her hand. “I’m Mimzy. But me an’ Alastor here aren’t together or anything- he’s totally a free agent.”

The brunet buried his face in his hands, a hair’s breath from legitimately praying for death.

The paler woman continued to smile and took the shorter woman’s hand. “Lilith. Charmed, I’m sure.”

“Hey, Al,” Mimzy abruptly broke the handshake to to boost herself up on the booth on the opposite side of the man. “I got a favor to ask ya.”

Surprise, surprise. “No.”

“What?! I haven’t even asked yet!”

“There is only one favor you ever ask of me, Mimzy, and there was someone over just last night- much too soon for anyone else.”

“No! Please, Al? You can even use my apartment!”

Oh yeah, walking whoever it was through a building full of nosy neighbors wouldn’t be suspicious at all. “Still no- for now,” he added to stop the coming protest. “You have this person’s information?”

“Of course! I’ll bring it by your place tomorrow!”

“As long as it’s before three.”

“Yeah, yeah; I’ll be there before you have ta go do your broadcast, promise. See ya then!” she called, disappearing into the crowd.

“Broadcast?” the remaining woman inquired, distracting Alastor from his irritation.

“Radio broadcast,” Alastor replied, gratefully feeling his pride stitch back together. “Five afternoons a week.”

“How lovely! On what matter?”

“Hauntings, supernatural sightings, the like.”

“And now the host has a story of his own, does he?”

A small smile graced the man’s face. “Yes, but he’s much too selfish to share it with anyone.”

Lilith gave him a scrutinizing look, leaning a pristine elbow on the counter, her narrow chin in her delicate hand. “Are you certain you’re not doing this on purpose?”

“Ah… I’m afraid I don’t follow.”

Her expression lightened. “You truly are one in several million, Alastor.”

“That’s very kind of you, my- Thank you, Lilith. M-May I ask… if there is something being expected of me that I’m missing?”

“No,” she smiled fondly. “Should there be?”

“I couldn’t say for certain, but there always has been before, really.”

“What did Luci tell you before he disappeared last night?”

“That I reminded him of someone.”

“Mm. You remind me of him, too. It’s been such a long time since he’s been himself.”

“Lilith… please forgive me if I speak out of turn, but… are you saying I remind you… of your husband?”

“He knew there would be repercussions for what he did, we both did- though the finality of those repercussions caught us both off guard. Even so, even if he suffered for it, he believed what he did was for the good of humanity.”

“…Does he still?”

“As I said, it’s been a long time since he’s been himself. Luci never had an interest in ruling, and I’ve happily been taking the brunt of the responsibility for him. But I look forward to having a partner in these endeavors.”

“All this time?”

A chuckle. “I’m sure it sounds like an impossibly long time to one such as yourself, but it’s different when you have no set lifespan. And that day came just today- Luci’s all tuckered out from an overlord meeting earlier today.”

“Overlord?”

“Souls that have risen in power enough to claim territory of their own to control and keep in order. Sort of what you would think of as governors or mayors, I suppose.”

“Interesting. How would one rise in power, as it were?”

“Usually by dealing in soul contracts.”

“Selling yourself in the most literal way possible.”

“Indeed. There are some that seek out the desperate, others that just have a way with words. Well, it has been lovely, Alastor, but I should be heading back.”

“A true shame,” the brunet mused. Lilith was lovely to talk to, and very informative.

“Would you enjoy a visit?”

“If either of your schedules allow you to visit one such as myself, yes, I would enjoy that very much.”

“Then at least one of us will be sure to pop in on you soon.” As gracefully as a bird taking off, the queen rose and left the club.

Alastor didn’t realize he’d been watching her go until that same annoying tone chimed up again, “What’s with the lovely-dovey eyes, Al?”

“I am not-“

“But she’s not your girl, huh? Tell me you at least got her number.”

“Mimzy-“

“Oh! My set’s about to start! Gotta go! See ya, Al!”

Alastor downed the rest of his drink and decided to call it a night.

&&
&&

Lucifer woke that night with a yawn and a stretch, pleasantly surprised to find his wife laying with him in bed, reading over the covers. He curled up against her warm body, deeply inhaling her sweet scent.

And paused. “Why do you smell like cigarettes?”

“Because Alastor was at a club.”

“Oh, that makes-“ He jolted up to fully face her. “You saw him? Met him?”

“Both Alastor and a delightful friend of his that seems to make it her life’s work to embarrass him as much as possible.”

“Tell me everything.”

Lilith lightly laughed. “I can see why you like him, certainly, but I don’t know if he’s my cup of tea just yet. Although, after what you told me, I couldn’t help but hit on him a little.”

“And?”

The woman laughed harder. “Narrowed eyes, long sigh- that man knows he’s pretty and hates it.”

“His friend?”

“Mimzy, I think? Darling went out of her way to tell me she and Alastor weren’t together- pretty sure the poor guy almost perished on the spot.”

Once Lucifer’s own laughter died down, he noted, “It sounds like you saw a completely different side of him than I did.”

“Undoubtably. It was very entertaining, but Luci… are you certain he’s not just trying to get in your good graces before his death? It would be quite the opportunity for any mortal.”

“I can’t say it’s impossible, but I didn’t see any sign of deception in him last night. Did he do or say anything that warranted caution?”

“Perhaps,” she admitted, pulling the shorter form closer. “I let drop some hints about how Hell’s hierarchy works, and he was very interested.”

Lucifer smiled against her skin. “And you wouldn’t be, knowing it was all but set in stone to be your fate? To me, that sounds like he doesn’t plan on leaning on anyone.”

“I hope you’re right.”

’So do I.’ He wasn’t sure why he’d become so set on this particular mortal- it could be as simple as a break in monotony. But he wanted to see the brunet again.

“It should be about ten at night there,” Lilith spoke up suddenly, giving her husband’s head a kiss. “And he does seem the nighttime sort.”

“Are… you saying I should go over again? I don’t want to think he has a stalker.”

The woman shrugged and went back to her book. “All up to you, Love.”

The man muddled it over, chewing on his lower lips. “I’ll just… see if he’s in,” was the decision, summoning a portal right to Alastor’s house.

It was dark, but peering out an open door, he could hear his quarry talking to someone in the next room. ’Shit, I’m in his bedroom; he probably won’t like that.’

“Wait,” Alastor’s voice came, dripping with venom. “This is the guy you’ve been having an affair with.” Oh, he was not happy. “Chose his wife over you, did he?”

“I don’ know what you’re talkin’ about,” and indignant woman’s voice spoke after.

There was the sound of papers shuffling. “I’m not killing him for choosing his wife over you, Mimzy; killing for vengeance gets fucked up too damn quickly.”

“But what about the adultery!” his visitor insisted. “I wasn’t the first, you know!”

Alastor’s tone was alarmingly calm as he replied, “So, by your own words, I should be readying my weapons now, shouldn’t I?”

“I didn’ say that!” the shrill tone came again. “I’m a free agent- he’s not!”

The clock by Alastor’s bed read just after two o’clock. It was actually two am? Ouch.

Lucifer barely heard Alastor’s soft sigh thick with irritation. ’Well, he’s either going to appreciate this or loathe me for it,’ the blond knew, and transformed himself to the image of his wife- in a negligee that didn’t leave much to the imagination, one of his own personal favorites. He stood against the door frame to damn near coo, “Al? Are you coming back to bed?”

The stunned look on the darker-toned man’s face was hilarious. His attire made the whole thing even more hilarious to the king; long pajama pants and a dutifully buttoned pajama shirt under a tightly tied robe made of the same cotton material. A blind man could tell the brunet hadn’t had company that night, but would Mimzy?

“Oh, shit! You got more than her number, huh?” the woman laughed, standing from the kitchen table. “No wonder you’re so crabby- why didn’ you just say you had company?”

“I am ‘crabby’ because I was woken at two am for utter nonsense,” Alastor snarled back, holding a folder towards her.

“Now, Al-“

“No. He’s too high society and you’re just pissed he dumped you.”

With an irritated glare, Mimzy snatched the folder from him and left the house in a huff.

“I do apologize if the interruption was unwelcome,” Lucifer spoke, himself again, in pants and a loosely buttoned shirt, and thoroughly enjoying the rekindled look of stunned shock on the other man’s face. “That conversation did seem to be trying your patience, though.”

Alastor was still staring at him.

“Didn’t I mention I’m a shapeshifter?”

A slow headshake, but he seemed to be collecting himself, replying, “That’s not the first time we’ve had that conversation, Your Highness, and I doubt it’ll be the last.”

“Ah,” the king replied, walking over and taking a seat beside him. “Those morals of yours won’t let you kill someone just for being annoying.”

“And she knows it. N-Not that I’m not pleased to see you, Your Highness, but may I ask what has you up at this hour?”

“Oh, I cheated and had a nap. Guess the timing for a visit was a little off, but Lily mentioned her earlier visit; I was curious about your end of the exchange.”

“It was a lovely conversation; I was sorry she had to leave so soon. I do hope I didn’t do or say anything to offend her.”

“No, no. She said she had fun.”

“Oh, good.” The man seemed to be smiling softly to himself. “Could I ask you another question, Your Highness?”

“Certainly.”

“Why did you make yourself look like your wife while Mimzy was here?”

“Ah, that. Perhaps it was misinformation, but I was under the impression that a woman in your room in the middle of the night would be much more well received than a man.”

“Oh,” Alastor realized. “Mimzy wouldn’t care, but generally, yes, I suppose so. I daresay anyone who knows me would be astonished to find anyone but myself in my room.”

“…Is that by choice?” the blond ventured.

A small shrug. “Given how I spend my free time, a relationship of any kind could get complicated quickly. But… it’s not really something that’s occupied my mind, either. So… I guess?”

Interesting. “It’s a bit late, or early, for this conversation, isn’t it?”

Alastor laughed lightly. “Perhaps.”

“I should let you get back to bed; Lily always says one should never trifle with one’s beauty sleep.”

For the first time, the darker-toned man looked almost… nervous. “Then you and Lilith must share your sleep schedules with me sometime.”

A pleased smile spread across the shorter man’s face. “Not just a singular compliment, but one for us both? You are full of surprises, Alastor,” he chuckled, standing.

“If… If I may presume…”

“Ask, Alastor.

“If there is time in one or both of your schedules around six tomorrow, I’ll be both home and available. That is around dinner time for me, I might be cooking, but-“

The run-on stopped at the touch of a pristine finger on his lips. “We’d love to join you, if that’s what you’re asking.” He moved his hand, leaning down to softly speak, “And I look forward to seeing what you put together.” The king summoned another portal back to his own room, gave a little wave, and returned home.

&&
&&

Maybe I’m not alone
Maybe if you take my hand
And I’ll reach up to God
Maybe this time He’ll say a prayer for the damned
What have we got to lose
When we’ve already lost it all?
Maybe this time He’ll say a prayer for
Say a prayer for the damned

As Lucifer woke the next morning, he felt a soft, warm hand envelop his own, the thumb brushing the curve of his wrist. He gave a contented hum, then groggily muttered, “’Mornin’, A’astoo.”

The hand was snatched away, and his eyes opened just as quickly.

“…Oh. Morning, Lily. Sorry.” It wasn’t as if she’d never done that to him.

“Sorry to disappoint you,” the woman drawled. “Maybe I should let the two of you have dinner alone tonight. Oh, Lucifer,” she groaned when he perked. “Don’t do this: why not just wait till he’s dead, at least? How long could that possibly be?”

’Samael, don’t do this; she’s just one woman, and this could destroy you.’

Lily was right. Raphy had been right. But they were both wrong, too. “I’m gonna get a shower, then I’ll join you two downstairs.”

The queen pursed her lips, but very familiar with her husband’s personality, gave a nod and left the room.

Lilith was just worried about him, he knew. Things could get tricky with mortals, especially when they knew your true identity. But that hadn’t stopped him in the past, and it certainly wasn’t stopping him now. “Okay, happy morning and lunch with family, a meeting that will be at least two to three hours and completely mind numbing, then dinner with Alastor. You got this.”

&

The morning was happy.

Lunch was delicious.

The meeting had been so deathly tedious he’d seriously considered ripping out his wing feathers one by one just to have something to do.

But now he was getting ready to go on his date. The king giggled, still snapping through the same few outfits.

A date.

Noticing he was starting to run late, Lucifer finally settled on his usual boots, white slacks, and a cotton candy button-down shirt- the first two buttons undone. That was how people did casual, right?

He hoped so.

Figuring he may as well open a portal directly to Alastor’s house, he now did, looking around the living room. The walls were dark wood with a few scattered pictures, some photos, others wildlife paintings. There was a shelf over the piano that… Lucifer wasn’t completely certain, but given the dried herbs and flowers, it felt more like an altar. Interesting. Looking around further, he saw the couch, a dark green color, was worn but well cared for, as well as the few pieces of furniture. No one was there, but upbeat music and movement was heard in the next room.

Ah, Alastor was cooking, moving around the kitchen in light steps that went along to the music playing. Those lanky legs even did little ditties of their own now and then. Hard to believe this was the same man that had been licking clean the weapon he’d just used to kill a guy the night before.

The brunet leaned forward then to taste whatever was smelling so delicious. “Perfect,” he preened. “Perfect, perfect.”

The visitor did want to make himself known, but he didn’t want to startle the taller man, especially given that he was working near at a hot stove… As cautiously as he could, the king knocked a knuckle on the doorframe.

Alastor did spin to him in surprise, but gratefully not undoing any of his handiwork. And was similarly dressed as the blonde, only in darker hues. Win! “Ah, good evening, Your Highness,” the man greeted him with a polite nod before returning his sight to the meal. “It’s almost ready; feel free to make yourself comfortable. Is Lilith not with you as well?”

“Unfortunately, no,” he replied, coming in the room to sit at the set table. “A friend of hers is having a minor meltdown she thinks is a major meltdown, and, well… Yeah.” He didn’t like lying, but the truth would make this interaction so awkward, Lucifer couldn’t bear to share it.

His host laughed. “I know the feeling; I have one of those as well.”

“Mimzy?”

“Mimzy,” he exhaled in irritation. “I considered myself so lucky once; I found a target with a fair resemblance to her and was able to take out a lot of frustration I had with her.”

“If she irritates you so much, why continue associating with her?” the blond man asked as Alastor took his plate. “Is it just because she knows your dirty little secret and has no fatal offences?”

Laughter. The plate was handed back with a heap of delightfully smelling mix of ingredients. “Not at all,” Alastor replied, serving himself next. “Life gets stagnant sometimes. Even if it’s not always in a way I enjoy, she keeps things interesting.”

“So, how was your day, Dear?” Lucifer joked, panic jumping into his throat when he saw the taller man stiffen in his seat. It was only for a second though, and a chuckle implied the joke had indeed landed. Had the question just caught him off guard?

“It was rather nice, actually,” the brunet spoke in a good-natured tone now. “I spent most of it visiting my mother.”

“Hm, a nice day visiting a parent? I’d love to hear more, as that is a completely unrelatable experience for me.”

His companion did snort at the comment, but ventured, “Not even before… all that?”

It was the king’s turn to snort. “I didn’t really see Them that way… at least, not as I understand parent/child relationships. An authority figure, sure, but not a parent.”

“That… explains a lot.”

“Doesn’t it though? I do want to hear more about your visit, but after, I’d also love to hear which version of that story they’re telling now.”

Alastor gave a nod. “The visit itself wasn’t anything special; we made lunch, ate it, and talked.”

“Comfortably?”

“Yes…”

“Then I would certainly call that experience special.”

“Perhaps… this was a poor subject to get started on.”

He was uncomfortable, and it was completely understandable. “I apologize if I’m coming off… cynical.”

“No, I… understand. I think. All right, not really,” he admitted with a shared smile. “It’s not at all the same, but the relationship with my father…”

“Ended in you killing him, so I’m sure it wasn’t stellar.”

“Mm. And the version of the story that I know… Well, it has been a while…”

He looked so wildly uncomfortable now that it actually gave Lucifer some concern. Just what were people saying about him these days? “I’d be happy to give you my version of those events.”

“Please.”

“I’d tried helping the other elders with the creation of the universe many times, but their ideas were always very different from mine- I was always outvoted. Lilith and Adam were created to be a pair, and that was super duper unsuccessful- strictly between ourselves, Eve didn’t have much tolerance for him, either. She just also didn’t have Lily’s sense of independence.”

“This guy sounds like someone I would target.”

“Yeaaaaahhh. But anyway, I thought things would improve if humanity had free will to do as they liked outside of what they were told. It really looked to me like it would make everyone happier. I was so, so wrong.”

“…I’m not sure you were.”

“Come again?”

“People, as a whole, need to complain and act out. Honestly, it sounds like that was happening even before the apple incident; Lilith outright rejecting Adam, and it sounds as if Eve wanted to.”

Lucifer briefly recalled a warm night under the stars with a sweet and charming companion. “She did. Maybe you’re right… Maybe it would’ve happened anyway and…”

He couldn’t bring himself to continue. Would free will still have brought evil into the world if he’d just let it happen naturally, or would Hell have found its way into the universe without his help? Although, knowing those other elders, they probably would have found a way to have him thrown there anyway.

“I apologize.”

Lucifer waved him off. “I’m not angry. Tell me more about your mother- if you deem her worth killing for, she must be special, indeed.”

“She is,” Alastor spoke softly. “She’s always done everything in her power to keep me safe.”

“Even from yourself?”

“…Especially then,” he spoke softly, smiling to himself.

“Siblings?”

“Only child. You?”

The blond laughed lightly. “That’s kind of a tricky question when you were brought into existence as a fully formed adult.”

“No childhood at all? Rude.”

More laughter. “Well, a few of us were created at once- I guess you could call us siblings.”

“…Are you the youngest?”

“Was that a comment on my height?”

“Oh-ho! It was a comment on them excluding you, but clearly I’ve unearthed a sore spot!”

“…Six-foot asshole.”

Alastor leaned in, grinning. “Almost seven, thanks.”

“Congrats, you’re a giant.”

“Why thank you, it does come in handy.”

“Like in the middle of the night with a cord stretched between your hands?”

“Tch. Cliché. I don’t choke people, I stab them, thank you.”

“Which reminds me,” Lucifer spoke up, after swallowing his first bite. “This is delicious, by the way, but what in the world were you stabbing with? It didn’t look like a knife.”

“An antler. I have a few different sizes, then actual knives to section off the meat I want.”

“Huh. That is a new one, although… Uhh…” He glanced down at the food.

Alastor allowed himself a laugh. “Don’t worry, Your Highness, I didn’t feed you people.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“…Some things frowned on even in Hell?”

“Oh, no-no; there’s literally a town of cannibals, just… not… really… my thing.”

“What is your ‘thing,’ then?” Alastor asked.

Despite the harsh wording, there was no anger or even irritation in the tone. “What, like to eat?”

The taller man shrugged a little, chewing and swallowing own his bite. “Eat, listen to, read… what-have-you.”

“I like ducks. Not to eat. I just really like them. I usually listen to classical music. Reading… Oh,” he realized. “You’re going to think this is ridiculous.”

“Try me,” his companion smiled softly.

“Instruction manuals. I love instruction manuals.”

“…Huh.” He still looked interested. “Any particular kind, or just any at all?”

He… really wanted to know. Awesome! “Architecture is probably my favorite, but I can get into just about any kind, I think. I have a library just for them! And you guys are always coming up with cool shit; it’s fascinating to… see… how it all works,” the king finished, feeling warm. “Sorry; people don’t usually let me babble that long.”

“Their loss.”

Lucifer perked; a chuckled left the darker-toned man. “Actually, if they’re not in your collection already, I know where you can find a bunch of engineering ones.”

“Really?!?”

“Mm. There’s a storage room at work full of them, and as far as I can tell, not in use.”

“At work? Right, Lily said you do a radio show. Is that why you smile so much? Wait no, that doesn’t make sense…”

“It isn’t why, no, more… a defense mechanism, I suppose. Difficult to tell where someone’s head is if they’re always wearing the same expression.”

’Oh, he does it to keep an upper hand. Clever.’ Out loud, the blond asked, “What about you? What do you listen to and all that?”

“I’m guaranteed to love anything my mother cooks, I do enjoy classical but prefer jazz in just about any form, and to read… Well, I have always enjoyed the subject of the supernatural.” He lightly shrugged. “I would like to further ask, if you don’t mind: Why ducks?”

A bright smile appeared on the king’s face. “I am so glad you asked.”

&&
&&

The rest of the night’s conversation continued to go smoothly, so smoothly, in fact, that Lucifer had to force himself just to smile a ‘good night’ to Alastor and not try to crawl into his skin with him.

Or under the covers with him.

Under the covers was less weird.

Probably.

Alastor’s logic was a little off the board, too, but Lucifer was sure neither gesture would be appreciated, at least at this point.

Even a couple days later, the king was wanting to see the brunet again. He hated how fondly he thought of the taller man, but only because he was sure Alastor himself would hate it if he knew. So, Lucifer decided to pull back and let the brunet contact him next.

At least, he was trying.

But if a third day passed without a word from his new companion, he was going to reconsider a new stance on the position, already in the midst of reconsideration as he drowsily started to wake for the day. He was also barely aware of Charlotte now climbing up on the bed before she started poking at him. “Daddy! It’s time to wake up!” she informed him cheerily.

Lucifer began to rouse, stretching out under the covers, making the girl fall off balance to the mattress in giggles. “Oh good, my favorite secretary is on duty today.”

“I’m on duty every day from now on!” she declared.

Ah, Lilith avoiding another mishap, no doubt. “Well, Miss. Secretary,” he told her fondly. “You can tell your mother I’m functioning; I’ll join her shortly.

“You better!” the princess warned before scampering back out of the room.

Oh. She’d left his literary for the day, because of course she had. As much as he knew stepping up and functioning in society was the adult thing to do, he really wished it wasn’t so exhausting. Why did being royalty by default have to come with so much socializing? Especially when he’d much rather being having warm conversation in a warm house with delicious food… “In any case, I better get my ass moving,” the king sighed, and got up to get ready for his day.

&&
&&

“Good afternoon, Mr. Legare!”

“Good afternoon, Miss. Porter,” he greeted the receptionist on his way in.

“Coffee?”

“Please and thank you.”

The woman gave a cheerful nod made her way to the coffee maker while he settled into his office. He’d just taken his seat when she arrived with the red mug, asking, “Um, if I may…”

“What is it?”

“I was invited with some coworkers to go to the Aces Club tonight; I was curious if you planned to go as well.”

“Likely,” he affirmed. “Why?”

“I just… I suppose I was curious if you’d… want to go together.”

Fuck. “I prefer driving there myself,” he told her honestly.

“O-Oh, I see,” she smiled bashfully. “I’ll, um, see you there, then?”

“Certainly,” he replied in a neutral tone, and the woman was on her way.

Alastor took a breath and hoped he hadn’t just sighed his death warrant. A couple receptionists had quit already because of his ‘icy’ personality.

Although… the thought did raise an interesting string of questions. Did Lucifer know when he was going to die? How he was going to die, or future events at all? Was there chance of the man answering any of these questions?

At this point, unlikely.

Despite that, if he was going out tonight, seeing Lucifer would be nice. ’I’ll send him a message when I go to the bathroom, so no one sees the phone thing,’ the brunet finally decided. ’I don’t want him to think I’m getting clingy.’

A horrifying thought struck him.

’Am I getting clingy? No one likes that person… Fuckfuckfuck….’

He took a breath.

’It’s been a few days since we’ve even exchanged a word,’ he told himself. ’It’s not as if I’m messaging him all day, every day. Get your shit together, Alastor.’

Peptalk done, he returned his attention to the waiting newspapers.

&

Lucifer had said he had some time that night to stop in, but so far, Alastor hadn’t seen any sign of him. Mimzy’s set was almost over; she’d again challenged himself to a drinking contest, undoubtably still pissed he wouldn’t kill her ex for her. He had, for whatever it was worth, looked further into the man anyway, and found several things that disqualified the man from his freezer, so really, the guy wasn’t worth the effort it would take just to nab him unnoticed.

For the most part, the people in this bar were respectful. Idiocy (and quite possibly ignorance) had led to the ban of a perfectly enjoyable substance, just because there were those who couldn’t control themselves. As such, those present here had to coexist in order to enjoy aforementioned substance (well, those without Alastor’s connections), so when Alastor was approached by one he’d rather not interact with, he did his absolute best to be courteous. Especially when that person was someone he worked with.

But this woman.

Would not.

Shut up.

Sasha Porter had been yammering a good twenty minutes at this point, trying to get into his good graces while only succeeding in raising his blood pressure. The brunet had been keeping his silence for the monologue, letting her wear herself out, but this was getting to be a bit much, even for background static.

“Miss. Porter, if you don’t mind, I’d rather be alone for a time,” he managed when she finally took a pause to draw breath.

“Oh, I know exactly what you mean!” she exclaimed. “Sometimes your own company is the best company, isn’t it?”

He gave a nod, thinking she finally understood.

Then another monologue started.

But as soon as it did, she gasped in surprise, holding onto the edge of the bar. A leg on her stool had given away.

Huh. Weird.

Wait.

Feeling a little foolish, dark brown eyes looked around the crowded space, but sure enough, at a table in the far corner sat a blond man of a shorter stature, smiling softly- and mischievously. The king had changed his appearance, presumably to fit in. The obnoxious hat that seemed to be his crown was gone, his eyes a warm caramel color on white, his skin actually held some color, and when he smiled, it was with flat teeth. Shame, but even with the different features, his identity was clear. Plenty of people had gathered around to help the woman; Alastor stood to go sit with Lucifer.

“Why not just let me know you were here?” he asked as he sat with the lighter-toned man. “I would have come over here sooner- or did you enjoy watching me lose my hearing in the most painful way possible?”

“At first, I kinda wanted to see how long it took you to notice me; watching you in your polite prison was just a bonus, but even I couldn’t watch that anymore."

“Well, even if it was overdue, I suppose I should still thank you for your compassion.”

“…Well?” the blond asked when his companion didn’t continue.

“Well, what?”

“Are you going to thank me?”

“I said I should, not that I was going to.”

Lucifer laughed. “Perhaps I should leave you be too, then.”

“I have yet to mind your company.”

“Oh, I feel so special,” came the chuckle.

“As you should, Your Highness.”

“Lucifer.”

Alastor tipped his glass to the man before taking a drink. “Lucifer.”

“Huh. Lily said you’d put up more of a fight.”

“Oh.” The taller man didn’t get panicked often, but explaining himself without causing offense was not one of his strong suits. “I suppose she caught me off guard with the request. Whereas it seemed likely you’d offer the same once she had.”

Honey eyes regarded him closely before stating, “It’s because she presents as female, isn’t it?”

Alastor nearly choked on his drink, and his companion laughed. “A bit of an oversimplification, but… not wholly inaccurate,” he managed once he recovered. “I do admit a bias for the fairer sex.”

“Interesting,” the king spoke, but his tone suggested otherwise. “Is perceived genitalia so important in this world?”

Perceived? Fuck. Despite knowing who they were, Alastor kept forgetting he was dealing with supernatural entities not bound by the rules he knew. “I was attempting to be respectful; I do apologize if I’ve caused any offense.”

“Oh no, none taken, it’s just weird to me, I guess.”

Hoping it wasn’t too forward to ask, the brunet ventured, “Would it be safe to assume angels are genderless?”

“Eh… yes and no. That is the… default, I guess you could say. Long story short, I can do as I like and so can Lily- to a point. I wouldn’t have thought you’d have any interest in the subject.”

“What, because I don’t want to play with it, I can’t be curious?” Alastor snapped, then pulled back. “My apologizes again.” He wanted to blame the liquor, but it was only his second glass.

Lucifer didn’t seem angry, at least. “No offense taken. You’re right; I shouldn’t have assumed.”

“…Thank you,” came the slightly embarrassed mutter, though he was unsure why he felt that way.

“Anything else you’re ‘curious’ about?” the king asked then, in a good-humored tone, not a hint of sarcasm or seduction.

It was nice. “Well, it isn’t everyday one is able to speak with an otherworldly entity.”

“Not every day, but I’m aiming for at least once a week or so. If that’s agreeable, of course.”

“I’m that interesting, am I? I never would have thought, although I am now recalling something else that I was wondering."

A small hand with neat fingernails flared slightly as if to say, ‘go ahead.”

“Would, ah, there a way to contact you- besides bringing untold terror to a single person? That is fun and all, but it does take up quite a bit of time and energy.”

The blond snorts and considers. Most of their association could be blown off as himself merely taking part in tempting a mortal further down this path for kicks or out of sheer boredom, but… a phone? Mortals didn’t even have its like yet.

“I clearly struck a tough spot; don’t worry about it,” Alastor amened.

“No, no,” the king replied, already subtly working light in his hands. No one was paying them any mind, even the woman who’d been so eager for his companion’s attention, currently off nursing her wounded ego. “But no one can know you have this, or that it even exists,” was the add, the luminescence solidifying into a red rectangle. Just to call himself. That’s all it would do. Maybe Lily, too.

The brunet gave a nod. “Of course.”

Lucifer gave a quick tutorial on how to use it, then reiterated, “Tell no one. I’ll get into so much shit.”

“You? Get in trouble for a little rebellion?” came the tease.

“Ha! That was skirting dumbassery.”

That serious? Huh. “No one,” Alastor promised. “Scout’s honor.”

“…There is no way you were a boy scout.”

“Sure was- for almost a month,” the taller man beamed.

“Oh, I’m going to regret this. Why only a month?”

“Hm, some nonsense about a forming cult I never quite made heads or tails about.”

“Bullshit. Details, now.”

“Pass. Care for a drink?”

As if on cue, the bartender, Marcus popped up. “Wow, Alastor- did you actually make a friend? And such a cute one, too. What can I get you, Darling?”

Those warm eyes looked over to his companion. “Whatchu got?”

“Whiskey, but I’m warming up for a fight.”

“A fight?”

“Mimzy thinks she can drink me under the table.”

“To be fair, you are a scrawny thing.”

“Appearances can be deceiving.”

“Too true.” Those eyes shifted back to the bartender. “I’m good for now, thanks.”

“Okay, Darling; let me know when that changes.”

“Sure. Awfully flirty, huh?” the king continued once Marcus had gone.

“With everyone except me.”

“…Scarred him good, huh?”

“Accidentally, yes. His first night here was at the end of a very long week for me, and he started dancing on the frayed endings of my last nerve. Long story short, he got a black eye, and I was banned for a month.”

“Now you’re besties?”

Alastor laughed just before the glass hit his lips again. “No, but there’s clearly defined lines that neither of us cross.”

“Hear, hear.”

“Indeed.” A smile lifted his expression further, hearing Mimzy sign off to her adoring fans. “Ever seen a proper drinking contest, Lucifer?”

“I’ve seen a few drinking contests, but I can’t say any of them were very proper.”

The grin widened. “Then you’re in for a treat.”

&&

As the blond had said, he hadn’t been to many things of the type, always more of a solitary sort, but even if he wasn’t, those weren’t the sort of things Lilith and himself were ‘supposed’ to be seen at.

However.

The display before him now was absurdly entertaining. Marcus had lined up five shots of who-knew-what for both participants, and as they simultaneously polished them off, a new set was laid out. The both of them went so many rounds, Lucifer wasn’t sure where either of them was keeping it all.

Keep it they did, though- until Mimzy started sliding in her chair. “I ain’t down yet!” she snarled to Alastor, whose own grin was brightening. But Lucifer saw the man’s free hand was tightly gripping the edge of the table. This was probably coming to an end soon.

It lasted another hour, with Alastor as the victor.

But even then, Mimzy wanted to dance.

Lucifer couldn’t believe Alastor agreed. And upbeat song was playing from the band, and Alastor looked like he was having the time of his life, long legs tapping out the same beat that played while giving Mimzy a spin here and there.

He was kind of jealous, but it was fun to watch.

The song changed, still upbeat, but Alastor started looking around- and smiled when his gaze landed on the king. Lucifer looked to his left and right- surely there was someone else catching this attention- but then the brunet walked over to offer his hand to the shorter man. “Might I have this dance, Your Highness?"

“That’s… okay?”

“Here? It’s fine.”

Lucifer took his hand, a smile of his own blossoming.

Alastor really knew how to dance. It was all he could do to just keep up with the taller man for the next two songs, but it was also the most fun he’d had in such a long time.

Then a slower beat started, and hello, awkwardness.

“Aw, don’t tell me you two suddenly forgot how to dance,” Mimzy giggled, already paired off herself.

After a glare to the woman, Alastor spoke, “I, ah, should probably be getting back home, actually. I do have to work tomorrow.”

“Fair enough. Mind if I come with you?”

“Not really.”

“You boys have fun!” Mimzy cackled after them, making dark eyes roll.

“I’m guessing she doesn’t know your feelings on the matter,” Lucifer voiced as they walked out onto the street.

Alastor didn’t reply until they were in his car. “She, like everyone else in my life, thinks I just haven’t found the right person yet."

“Rude.”

“Agreed, but… it’s not her fault I’m abnormal.”

“What? No, you’re not.”

A brunet eyebrow arched. “Well, I can’t wait to hear this,” he snorted, and pulled out into the road.

“No, seriously- that’s an orientation in itself. Shit, what did Ozzie call it…?”

“Ozzie?"

“Asmodeus. Lust. Oddly enough, I think you’d like him.”

“…Huh.”

“But yeah, you’re not the only one in the world who doesn’t like gratuitous sex.”

“News to me,” came the grumble.

“You’re also a pretty deadpan personality,” the bond added. “If there’s anyone else around you feeling that way, they’re probably hiding it or in denial.”

“I suppose.” He still didn’t look convinced.

Before he could talk himself out of it, Lucifer called Asmodeus.

“Hey, Luce,” the other Sin answered, sounding groggy.

“Sorry if I woke you."

“You didn’t- I woke up a little while ago. Did you need something, or is this a social call?”

“Uh, a bit of both,” the king replied, eyeing the driver currently eyeing him right back. “Do you remember that conversation we had forever ago about sexual orientations?”

“Hm. Sorry Luce, not really, but whatever you’re gonna ask, I can probably still answer.”

“Oh, you definitely can- what was that word for those that don’t like sex?”

A yawn. “Asexual.”

“That was it! Asexual! I told you!” he continued to the taller man, who pushed his glasses up with his middle finger.

“Your new boy toy more of a cuddler?” came the tease over the line.

“I guess,” Lucifer replied, completely missing it. “He didn’t believe me when I told him he wasn’t the only one.”

“I never said that!” Alastor protested.

“It was implied,” the paler man shot back.

Ozzie started to laugh. “Lilith didn’t lie; you two are funny!”

“What? When did you see Lily? Bigger question- How would she know?”

More laughter. “Sometimes you forget to close your portals from home, my friend- and they aren’t exactly soundproof.”

“…Ah.”

“Dare I ask?” the man beside the blond asked.

“Ask all you like- I’m not answering,” Lucifer replied, the brunet scoffing in humor. “Thanks, Ozzie,” he continued into the phone, the car reaching its destination. “I’ll call you again later, okay?”

“Stop by the club! It’s been forever!”

“Sure! I’ll talk to Lily and let you know.”

“See you later, Luce.”

The blond hung up as Alastor stopped the car. “It seems I left a portal or two open and Lily overheard us talking,” he decided to explain anyway.

“Ah, not posturing for your friend anymore?” came the tease, earning himself a watered-down glare. “Coming inside?”

“I should probably let you get some sleep.”

“I won’t even be thinking about sleep for at a least a couple hours, but if you need to head out, I understand.”

“Not really. In that case, I think I will join you for a bit. As long as you aren’t upset with me for that.”

“Upset about what?”

“You probably didn’t want your sexuality discussed with a total stranger. He’s my friend, sure, but-“

“Lucifer, stop,” was the reply as the two walked into the house. His tone wasn’t great. “I don’t think you drank anything tonight, even water- did you want something?”

“Are you seriously pouring yourself more whiskey?”

“Mine isn’t watered down, the club’s is- I’m not nearly as drunk as I should be.”

“And I still probably shouldn’t have let you drive,” the shorter man realized, but his companion waved him off.

“I’d have to be much more drunk than this to not be able to drive,” the brunet spoke, punctuating his point by taking a shot. “Did you want anything?” he asked again.

“No, I’m okay.”

“Watch it- you’re starting to sound a little judgmental over there.” Alastor finished swinging back the glass, nearly tossed it back onto the table, and regarded his companion with a cold gaze. “And if so, you can go ahead and take your leave, Your Highness.”

Okay. “You’re definitely upset I spoke to Ozzie about you.”

“And you, like everyone else I know, thinks they know what’s going on in my head better than I do,” the brunet replied with a snarl, pouring himself another glass. His usual logic seemed to be out the window, but it was as if… Shit, he was totally doing it on purpose, not having the ability to have this conversation sober or some such thing.

“Then enlighten me,” the king replied calmly, even taking a seat at the table. “Why this sudden shift in mood? Has it been building, and I didn’t notice?”

“…No. You…” Alastor’s fists were balled up on the tabletop now, his head hanging. “You don’t understand.”

“Alastor.”

His head lifted.

“Sit. Talk to me, please.”

He did sit, but it was to hold his face in his hands. “I… don’t know how to…,” he muttered, but the blond kept his silence, letting the other man find his words. “It’s like a car.”

That dark gaze was so intense. “What’s like a car?”

“Me.”

“Okay,” Lucifer agreed, not at all following. “How so?”

“It… it has fuel, but there’s no road. There’s nowhere to go. Fucking grass.”

Did he mean his sex drive? “That sounds frustrating.”

“It. Is.” Alastor took another mouthful of whiskey.

Going with his hunch, Lucifer asked, “Have you ever been able to do anything with the fuel?”

Eyes looking down the empty glass, and in a tone so quiet, he replied, “Once. Being a teenager sucked.”

“What was the road that one time?"

Alastor buried his face in his hands again.

Not quite that drunk, apparently. “It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me. But… and I hope I’m correct in thinking we’re talking about your libido, there doesn’t always have to be something mental being even masturbating. You can just… see what feels good, and go from there."

“Nnn…”

“I really hope you remember this conversation in the morning.”

“…Not that drunk.”

“Maybe, but you’re looking awfully sleepy over there- time for bed? I’ll tuck you in,” the paler man added with a light-hearted lilt.

“…Okay,” came the mumbled agreement, immediately standing (and stumbling slightly), to go to his room.

Lucifer followed at a small distance, laughing a little when the taller man flopped down on the still-made mattress. “Geez, at least take your shoes off. And it’s gonna be hard to tuck you in while you’re laying on the blanket.”

Alastor didn’t move. “You figure it out.”

Smirking, Lucifer snapped. His companion was instantly down to his underwear and half under the blanket. Fuck, no person should be bearing that many scars; he looked covered in them. The darker-toned man realized his situation and pulled the blanket further over himself, curling onto his side, the only sign of him the top of his wavy brunet hair.

The blond hadn’t had much of a chance to look around in this room. It was much like the rest of the house, dark wood and furnishings, and there were a couple small pictures on the wall near the bed just as there were in the living room, but also here, on the opposite wall was a good-sized painting of a buck and deer grazing in a lovely forest setting.

“Well then,” the seraph chuckled. “Good night, my dear.”

“…Night, Momma,” Alastor’s soft tone replied, not moving otherwise.

Oh.

Oh.

An antler as a preferred weapon.

Alastor’s stiff response to the king’s joking use of the word days earlier.

This painting.

It went back to his mother and her preferred term of affection.

Huh.

“The scary, solitary guy is starting to come into focus,” Lucifer chuckled again. “But… be it buck, doe, or somewhere in between…” he trailed, realizing he was essentially talking to himself. “Sweet dreams, Al,” was the mutter, kept his gaze on the sleeping man while conjuring a golden portal, then went home.

&&
&&

We are not alone
It’s darkest before the hope

Alastor did remember the conversation in the morning. Every word, including being so out of sorts that he’d mistaken Lucifer’s ‘good night’ for his mother’s. It was unlikely the king would dwell on it, at least. Ideally, it wouldn’t even be mentioned, but that might be too much to hope for.

In any case, he had a workday to be productive for in the meantime, and proceeded to get dressed, cook breakfast, and drink almost three cups of coffee before leaving the house.

The drive wasn’t long, only twenty minutes or so into the city, and he was his usual fifteen minutes early.

“Good morning, Mr. Legare!” a chipper tone from the front desk greeted him.

“Good morning, Ms. Smithe,” he returned politely.

“Now, now; how many times do I have to tell ya to call me Laura?"

“At least once more it seems,” he replied as he always did.

“We got a new girl coming in today- Claire. You be nice to her, okay?”

Alastor made a show of being offended, a hand over his chest and sucking in a sharp gasp. “Ms. Smithe! To imply that I would be anything but a gentleman, especially to a newcomer to this fine establishment! Why would you ever think to make such an accusation?"

The woman was glaring, unimpressed. She was pretty used to his bullshit. “Because Carl’s in one of those moods.”

“…Ah.” His boss wasn’t exactly a cheery sort to begin with, and when he was in a mood he went looking for fights- Alastor was one of his favorite targets. “Is it my fault?”

“Did you and your charming personality really make Sasha quit?”

Probably. “I’ll just be camping out in my office.”

“I’ll send up a cup of coffee!” she called after him.

“As always, you are a goddess among mortals,” the lanky brunet replied with a flourished bow before continuing on his way.

He kept a lookout for Carl in the halls leading up to the third floor; gratefully, he made it to his office without incident, and started going through the day’s papers. While his show was primarily supernatural tales, there was a half-hour bit where he was expected to inform rather than entertain, and if he’d refused, it had been very heavily implied that he’d be job hunting.

”Not that easy for someone of your background, is it?’

Assholes.

The downturn in thought was interrupted by a cheery knock on the doorframe. “Mr. Legare?”

He looked up to see a petite young woman with an innocent smile.

“I’m so sorry to interrupt; I was asked to get your coffee, but I don’t know how you take it.”

“Black,” he smiled, enunciating every letter fluidly. ’Just like my heart, soul, and everything in between.’

“Sure! I’ll be right back!"

’Must be the newcomer Ms. Smithe mentioned.’

She was only gone a minute, then was back to carefully place a steaming mug on his desk.

“Thank you. What was your name?”

“Oh!” she seemed to realize. “My name is Claire Figg,” she chirped, even slightly bending her knees in a curtsy. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“Likewise,” he replied. “You must be new to the city as well as the station.”

Her bob cut tilted. “Why’s that?”

“There’s still hope in your eyes.”

To his surprise, the woman laughed. “Polite, but forever cynical,” she spoke. “Laura didn’t lie.”

He couldn’t stop a snort himself. “She never does.”

“Well then, let me know if you need anything else tonight, Mr. Legare.”

“Will do,” he replied, and after a mouthful of coffee, returned his attention to the papers.

&

This new employee appeared to take her work quite seriously: she seemed to be doing a sweep of the entire floor on the hour to see if anything was needed. So, when he heard a tap on his doorframe, himself in the middle of scribbling some notes, he voiced, “Another cup would be lovely, thank you.”

“Do I look like your bitch?”

The pencil stalled. Carl.

Alastor looked up with a bright smile. “Oh no, I’m certain I would employ someone much more pleasant to look at.” His smile thinned when the image of Lucifer in a business suit and glasses carrying a clipboard dared cross his psyche. The image even fucking winked at him.

“Oh, like our dear Claire, perhaps?”

Dark eyes rolled. “The woman is just doing her job.”

“Correct me if I’m wrong-“

“Gladly.”

‘-but her job description doesn’t read ‘Circle Alastor Legare’s office like a lovesick schoolgirl.’”

What? She wasn’t checking in on everyone?

Carl started to laugh. “Fuck, you didn’t even notice, did you? No wonder you’re still single,” he cackled, and took his leave.

Shit. That actually was a problem. He took a breath and continued reading the poorly written article, but when Miss. Figg appeared again with a chipper, “Another refill, Mr. Legare?” he took pause and put down his pencil.

“Yes, but before you go, it seems there’s something I need to clear up.”

“Oh? What’s that?” she asked, blinking innocently at him.

“It’s been brought to my attention that I’m the only one you’ve been checking in on- is there a reason for that?”

“O-Oh, um… I apologize, I didn’t mean to get you in trouble, I… I’m so sorry,” she stated finally, looking thoroughly embarrassed.

“No harm done,” he lied, turning his attention back to his work. “Just be a bit more mindful in the future.”

“Of course… Sir.”

“None of that,” he remarked dryly. “Just don’t single people out; that makes other people talk.”

He heard a light giggle. “I’ll be right back with your coffee, Mr. Legare.”

&&
&&

A little later in the day, Lucifer swept onto the office floor, suit still white but in his usual mortal guise of a Caucasian skin tone and honey-on-white eyes rather than yellow and red. He strode right for the receptionist’s desk, empty for the moment but he was perfectly willing to wait. The woman appeared within a couple minutes, coming up behind the seated figure with a cheery chirp, “Oh, I’m so sorry for the wait, Sir! Is there anything I can-? Oh,” she realized, tone dropping in disgust when she saw his face. “You.”

“Yeah. Me,” the king retorted.

“What is it you want?” Claire asked, taking her own seat, only able to be so blasé because this was technically a neutral realm.

“Only to very politely ask that you keep away from what’s mine.”

“Why? Afraid he’ll listen to reason?”

Lucifer laughed. “He was hurtling towards me long before we met, and you’re only here because we have.”

“Are you so sure about that, Samael?”

“Call me that again, and see what fucking happens,” Lucifer snarled, his guise flicking a moment.

“Neutral ground, Morningstar,” she reminded him dryly, then continued. “Is one man’s choice really so important to you? This one soul is so important? Why?”

“Questions I don’t need to answer from the likes of you,” the king replied in a curt tone, standing. “Think carefully before going out of your way to piss me off,” he advised, then took his leave.

&

Once back in his own domain, his own room, he let out a long breath, shuddering with the stress of the action. ’Why do I care so much about one man’s choice? Pride?’ It was the usual culprit.

No. It was more than that.

Should he fall to Hell, Lucifer had seen the demon, the overlord, this one man would become. If for no other reason than that, he was someone the king wanted by his side. That he enjoyed the brunet’s company was a bonus. At the same time, to rob anyone of their free will was grotesque- not to mention hypocritical.

“I’ll keep seeing him,” the king decided out loud. “But I won’t out Claire… Not yet, anyway. Whether he wants this darkness, or their light will be a decision all his own."

But you and I, we’re not alone

Chapter Text

‘I’d rather be a lover than a fighter
Cause all my life I’ve been fighting
And all this time, I’ve been hiding
I never had someone to call my own,
I’m so used to sharing
Love only left me alone
But I’m at one with the silence.’

&&
&&

There had been some years, in the past, that it didn’t affect him too badly. Years when he could cheerfully spend the night with his wife, then both her and their daughter, and not feel an immense pressure of guilt about the goings-on outside the house. It hadn’t been every year, no, but Lilith was extremely gifted at distracting him.

But today. Charlotte had become aware of the fact exterminations happened in Hell earlier that day. He still didn’t know how, but she now wanted nothing to do with her father. Lilith was with her now in her room, as the girl wouldn’t so much as look in his direction.
Lilith would help her understand, and they could move on. He hoped.

For now, Lucifer was in his own room, alone, curled under the comforter while he drowned in self-pity. He couldn’t even leave the house, a condition of the ‘agreement’ to make him further unable to interfere with the ‘work’ of the exorcists.

His phone sounded. Anyone that knew his number knew better than to try and call him tonight… didn’t they?

Oh.

Alastor.

Alastor had no idea this shit even happened, let alone what day. At the moment, he was essentially asking if the blond wanted to come over that night, fully admitting himself bored and not wanting to cook.

Lucifer couldn’t help a smile, then looked up from the device. He’d tried teleporting to another plane once while this bullshit was going on, but he’d never bothered trying a portal…

Daring to hold on to the hope, he pulled himself out from under the blankets to turn his focus to the wall and visualize Alastor’s living room. There were a few golden sparks. Determined now, he added in the chant he hadn’t needed to use since first learning the ability, allowing him to clearly state his destination.

It was a few moments more, and smaller than usual, but a portal did form, and he could see the intended destination on the other side. Grinning wildly, the man bounded through- it closed immediately behind him.

Alastor was on the couch, the phone he’d been given in hand, attention jolting to the newcomer. “Well, I guess that’s a- Are you all right?” he asked.

And Lucifer remembered the state he was in. All he wore was a loose T shirt and boxers, hair disheveled and eyes probably tear-streaked. A snap and he was put together in a button-down shirt, slacks, and the fakest smile known to man. “Fine! Why?”

The brunet arched an eyebrow. “I’m not dignifying that with a response.”

The newcomer groaned, shoulders slumping as he sat down next to the darker-toned man. Just get it over with- Alastor may as well know what a failure he was early on. “It’s Extermination Day,” he muttered, his eyes on the floor.

“It’s… what?”

“Extermination Day,” was the sighed repetition. “My second-biggest failing to date.” He didn’t lift his gaze as he further explained, “Millenia ago now, Heaven felt Hell was getting too populated. It didn’t help that there were just enough idiots plotting that it made them nervous enough that they made a decree.”

“This ‘Extermination Day.’”

“Once a year, they send down a herd of exorcists to kill as many as possible. The only exceptions are myself, my family, and the Hellborn.”

Alastor was quiet for a few moments. “And how, exactly, is this attributed to be a failing of yours? Were you one of the aforementioned idiots?”

“No, but… Lilith was leading them.”

“If I understand correctly, this… ‘decree’ is a punishment for those actions.”

“I should have been able to do something.” Looking back, it really was when all motivation for ruling had truly left him. He’d been trying, for Lilith, but…

“Are you omniscient?”

A humorless bark of laughter left the blond.

“Then, personally, I fail to see how any of this can be attributed to you. I must say, though, that must have been one hell of a fight.”

“…Huh?”

“Between you and Lilith, that is, when those actions came to light.”

“That is when we started sleeping in separate rooms.” Pause. “We didn’t so much as speak for… a while. We have a better relationship now, but our marriage is in name only. We even… We agreed to talk about it to Charlotte together when she was old enough, but…”

“She went ahead and did so anyway?”

“Apparently, it ‘came up.’ And I want to believe her, I think I do believe her, only… Charlotte’s so angry with me about it.”

“With you?” Alastor repeated. “You weren’t the one nurturing an uprising.”

“I feel terrible, but that also makes me wonder what Lilith told her. Charlotte won’t even look at me. The two of them are together now, and I…”

“Lilith left you on your own while you were feeling like this?” His companion’s tone was stretched thin in anger, making the shorter man finally look up. Alastor’s dark eyes were pained behind his oval frames, looking at him incredulously.

“Al, you aren’t a parent. It’s not that simple. I’m an adult; I need to be able to handle myself.”

The gaze turned suspicious. “Oh?”

“Charlotte needs guidance more than I do.”

“Perhaps, but you should also be permitted to talk to your daughter.”

“Oh, shit! Al, no, Lilith’s not keeping Charlotte from me or anything, she’s just pissed off and I’m waiting for her to cool down. We’ll talk then. I’d also like to not hear the terrified screaming of the souls I’m technically in charge of in the background.”

The explanation seemed to sedate him. “You can hear them inside? How did Charlotte just find out?”

“I can hear them, Alastor. Me. Just me.”

“…Even now?”

“It’s… it’s not lower, exactly, but further away? They probably never throught I’d actually make it out of the house.”

“Hn. I must admit, given your personality, I’m surprised you aren’t out there trying to thwart those exorcists anyway.”

Lucifer’s eyes dropped again, his tone barely audible as he voiced, “I’m not allowed.”

“Sorry, what?!”

“Don’t make me say it again,” the paler man groaned. “It was a win that I could even make a portal here!”

“That’s… awful.”

“I know! I’m pathetic! Worse, even, that I can’t even-“

A hand clapped over his mouth, silencing him, while a dry tone clarified, “Heaven, not you. To say they’ll be dropping by once a year to not only go on a killing spree, but also restrict you in assisting them should you chose? It’s just… insulting.”

He spat the last word, and the hand moved back.

“I do have to ask: Aren’t those in Hell already dead?”

“Eh, yes and no; angelic weapons are a bitch.”

“Huh. To think there’d be a fear of death, even then.”

Lucifer groaned low in agreement, falling to the side- right against his companion’s side, he immediately realized, and shot back up. A chuckle took him off edge, and when he dared glance over, saw the taller man holding out an arm so he could come even closer. The blond decided not to question it, readily taking the invitation. “How are you so warm?”

“How are you so cold?!”

“It’s the self-pity,” was the barely audible mutter, curling in closer. Feeling Alastor start to shift, he feared for a second it was too much. But while the brunet did move to lay on his back, it was also to pull the shorter man close again.

Lucifer couldn’t remember the last time he’d been held like this. He and Lilith didn’t really have boundaries with each other anymore, sure, but it was nothing like this calm. He let himself relax completely when he felt long arms loosely wrap him, and in that state, well, it wasn’t long before he was sound asleep.

&&
&&

Alastor had ended up nodding off himself. When he woke, it was three hours later and he definitely had to use the bathroom.

But Lucifer was still out cold. So much so, that if not for the slow breathing, the brunet would have thought the paler man dead.

Oh. And the very, very slow heartbeat.

Angels had a heartbeat. Interesting.

Did… that mean they were the same as souls, and could be hurt? Killed?

Alastor was a man of few connections. He knew he’d only opened up to the king so quickly because of who he was. Not in any attempt to impress or coerce him, no. Be it fortunate or not, the story of Lucifer Morningstar was one that had always held his attention, and should the man actually exist, was someone Alastor had genuinely wanted to know.

’I just didn’t expect him to be so fragile.’

If all Lucifer wanted out of him was a cuddle buddy, he was happy to be of service.

Just the same, he really didn’t want to relieve himself on the couch.

Carefully as he could, he kept one arm braced around the blond as he moved out from under him, carefully laying the shorter form back on the couch’s warmed spot.
He was just back through the bathroom door when a thought suddenly came to mind.

’Did he have hooves?’

The realization picked his pace back up to the couch where the seraph still slept. Sure enough, instead of toes, two black points stuck out from under the slacks the man was wearing. A bit of dark fuzz was around them, disappearing as it ran up his pale leg. His hands, and as far as the voyeur could tell, arms were black, the rest of him pale?

Alastor wanted to know. He wanted to know everything there was to know about this man. That the devil himself had shown him more kindness and understanding than most people… it was ridiculous.

And maybe a trap.

But… that really didn’t seem likely. Everyone had a tell. Everyone. And, at least at this point, Alastor hadn’t found any such variance in the blond. Maybe he didn’t need to lie to suck people in.

There was a word for that.

…Honesty.

Right.

He pulled his tie loose, unbuttoned his waistcoat, and set both neatly aside for comfort’s sake, then gently picked up Lucifer’s still-sleeping form and got them both properly tucked into bed.

&&
&&

When Lucifer woke, it was hours later, morning but still dark. He was disorientated for a moment, then smiled, realizing Alastor must’ve relocated them. ’I should be getting back,’ he realized with a glance at the clock. ’Charlotte’s gonna- Oh. She probably isn’t going to be waking me up this morning. I hope Lilith was able to get through to her.’

In any case, he did need to get going. But Alastor was all limbs, and had himself wrapped up so snugly. To the point that, when he tried to gently work himself loose, the taller man, still asleep, held him even more tightly. Fucking adorable, but Lucifer also really wanted to know how things were going with Charlotte. “I’m not happy about it either, Al, but I do have to get up,” he spoke softly.

A grumble, and those warm eyes stayed closed, but he was released.

“I’ll try to stop by soon. Text me this afternoon, okay?”

“Nnn,” was the only reply, and it was anyone’s guess as to whether or not the taller man had the coherence to register what had been asked of him. Lucifer chuckled, daring to give the brunet mop a soft kiss before completely working himself free, and teleported home.

&

He had relatively good timing, appearing in his room just as Lilith was coming in. “Were you able to leave?” she asked in astonishment.

Lucifer nodded, still excited about it himself. “It was a bit of work, but I was able to make a portal to Alastor’s house. Probably because it was out of Hell. How’s Charlotte?”

“Better, I think,” she replied to his relief. “We were up about half the night talking. I’m still not sure how she turned what I said initially into any fault of yours, but she seems to understand now. She was asleep when I left her room just now; I figure she can have a day off from her studies.”

The man gave a slow nod. “If ever there was a need for a mental health day…” He started at the touch of her hand on his cheek.

“I was worried about you, you know. I’m glad you were able to go see Alastor, Lucifer, truly,” his wife smiled. “Will you come with me for now? It’s been literal ages since we had breakfast, just the two of us.”

“That sounds wonderful, Lily.”

&&
&&

After a surprisingly nice breakfast, Lucifer went about his day as he normally would. It was a little lonely without an adorable interruption now and then, but he willed himself to let Charlotte come to him.

It was early evening before he was released from the mental anguish.

In the far corner of his vision, he saw his office door carefully creak open and a large pair of eyes, so similar to his own, warily peered in. Lucifer appeared not to notice, continuing to read over the nonsense document he held.

Charlotte crept in further, inching her way towards her father- a mischievous, calculating grin in place.

He willed himself not to smile.

Once she was right behind him, she jumped up to cover his eyes with her own hands, feet on either side of the chair to hold her balance.

“Oh, no! Did someone just turn out all the lights?!” Lucifer called out dramatically, pretending to look around. He did smile when he heard the girl giggling. “Wait! Who’s there? I can still hear you!”

At that, she was laughing so hard she let go, still hanging onto the back of the chair. “I’m sorry I yelled at you, Daddy,” her quiet tone came.

Moving smoothly so he didn’t throw her off kilter, Lucifer turned in his spot to look at her. “You’re forgiven, Charlotte; always,” he told her. “You and Mom were able to have a good talk?”

She nodded, slowly swinging herself on the backrest. “Heaven was really mean to you. I thought you let them do it ‘cause you don’t like the Sinners.”

‘Apathetic’ would be a better word, a move to preserve his sanity.

Luckily, she kept talking. “Daddy, do you think we can still help them?”

“Help who? The souls here?”

Another nod.

“I don’t know, Char. Everything I’ve tried hasn’t worked out. But… yeah. I bet you could think of something.”

“Me?! Really?!”

She looked so awestruck. “Yes, you. You’re the best of both Mom and me. If anyone can figure out a way to help them, it’s you.”

Her smile turned brilliant, reaching over the backrest to hug him; he stood to pick her up and make it easier. “Thank you, Daddy.”

“Don’t thank me for telling the truth, Silly.”

“But I liked hearing it! And you said I should always say ‘thank you’ when someone says something I like!”

“So I did,” he chuckled. “And if I’m not mistaken, it’s time for dinner.”

“Are you gonna eat with me and Mommy?”

“Rabid imps couldn’t keep me away,” he assured his giggling daughter. “Shall we?”

“Can we have pancakes?!”

“Your wish is my command, Charlotte.”

&&
&&

I found peace in your violence
I’m at one, and I’ve been quiet for too long’

&&
&&

Up at ten.

To the bathroom.

First cup of coffee ready and steaming by 10:10.

“I’ll just stay in pajamas for now; best to enjoy the nice autumn weather while I can,” he muttered to himself, even opening another window.

After taking his first mouthful of coffee, Alastor settled on the couch and started sorting through the paperwork there.

He was on mug number two when his phone started to ring. He swallowed his mouthful of caffeine on his way over to the phone. “Alas-“

“Alastor!” Mimzy’s panicked tone came over the line before he could even finish answering. “I need your help.”

“Surprise, surprise,” he grumbled back, wishing he’d brought the mug with him. There was no way the cord would reach.

“Hey now, I- Not important!” she decided. “I’m not askin’ ya to kill anyone this time.”

“Wonders never cease,” he sighed back.

“My sister’s gettin’ married, and I need a respectable man there with me.”

“So… you want me to help you find someone?”

“I mean you, Asshole!”

Alastor started to laugh. Not only did that have to be the first time anyone had ever referred to him as ‘respectable,’ but to even pretend to be Mimzy’s significant other?? “No,” he deadpanned. “Absolutely not.”

“Oh, come on! I promise not to offend any of your ‘delicate sensibilities’- I won’t even try to kiss you!”

“You better fucking not.”

“Is that a ‘yes?’”

“Mimzy…”

“Come on, Alastor, it’s not as if you gotta worry about makin’ a girlfriend jealous. Unless you and that tall drink of water from the other night are getting’ serious.”

She was trying to provoke him now. While it wasn’t his preferred way of doing things, he could play that game, too. “I don’t think Lilith will mind, but her husband likes me a lot more than she does- I should really check with him first,” he remarked dryly, greatly enjoying the sound of the woman’s sputtered surprise.
Huh. Speak of the devil, and a golden portal appears in your living room.

“You’ve never even had a girl as long as I’ve known you, and you’re dating a married couple?!” Mimzy finally managed, Alastor giving a small wave in greeting to the newcomer.

“Bad time?” Lucifer asked quietly. “Oh, cute jammies.”

“Not at all,” the taller man replied, flipping him off but not lowering his own tone, only moving the receiver from his mouth. “I’ll be just a moment.”

“What? Who ya talking to? Is he there now?” the woman asked.

“I’ll talk to you later, Mimzy; someone with manners just arrived and I’d like to give him my full attention. Ta-ta,” he smiled, and hung up.

“Are you sure this isn’t a bad time?” the newcomer asked again, even as he snickered.

“Positive,” Alastor replied, returning to his spot on the couch. “It’s just Mimzy-“

The phone started to ring again.

“-being Mimzy. And I guarantee you that’s her throwing a fit because I won’t instantly agree to do what she wants.”

“Did someone else piss her off?” the blond asked, eyeing the still-ringing phone.

“Her sister’s getting married, so she needs an escort for the day, and apparently, I’m her best option. I disagree.”

“…I wouldn’t call you a bad option, but… are you sure that’s her?”

“Yes. Yes, I am. Feel free to answer it if you like; maybe she’ll listen to you.”

Lucifer seemed to consider. The ringing was clearly getting to him, too. After a moment, he walked over to the infernal device. “Hello?” A pause, then, “…Mimzy?”

Alastor’s attention perked. There shouldn’t be any question of who it was, if it was indeed Mimzy.

“Missy?”

His blood ran cold. Jumping up, he strode over for the phone himself, gesturing for the device.

“And what’s your name, Love?” He barely heard his mother’s lighthearted tone. “Are you his live-in receptionist or some such thing?”

It didn’t seem likely that Lucifer thought on the spot very well- the poor guy was already sweating, and panic was abundantly clear. If he was about to tell his mother everything, fuck, would she even believe him?

“Lu-Lucifer, ‘Mam, no I’m not, and-“ Those distressed, dual-colored eyes glanced at the taller man before sputtering, “And it looks like Alastor wants me to hand over the phone.”

“Oh, I’m sure he does,” his mother’s tone cheekily taunted. “But first, I’ll ask you since he’ll never tell me: How long have you two been together?”

“Eh?!” the blonde squeaked. Ow. Ears.

“Hm, not very long, then. I suppose I won’t hold it too harshly against him, although I simply have to also ask: What possessed your parents to name you ‘Lucifer?’”

Alastor almost felt bad for how badly the shorter man was squirming under his own gaze, but he wanted that phone, and now! All Lucifer managed to spit out was, “I guess they were just weird like that, here’s your son!” and nearly thrusting the receiver in his own direction.

He all but snatched the device to greet his mother. In French, as he usually did, not thinking anything of it. The two usually spoke that way, and odds were Lucifer just ‘knew’ other languages if he wanted to listen in, so… Wait. He’d caught the seraph in the corner of his eye, and he looked rather… taken. ‘Doe-eyed’ was the delightful phrase. Was it because of the language shift? Nothing else had changed.

Those yellow-red eyes suddenly flipped from glazed over to on alert, realizing he’d been caught. “I-I should go,” the blond decided out loud, even turning to leave, but his companion grabbed a hold of his collar, suddenly stilling him.

“I’ll call you back tonight, Mother, something’s come up that needs my attention.”

“You better, young man.”

“I give you my word.”

“All right: love you, Alastor.”

“Mm. Love you, too.” He hung up, Lucifer still trying to pull loose, but it had to be haphazardly- if Lucifer Morningstar wanted to get away from an everyday mortal, surely that was more than possible for him to do. “Stop that.”

He did, blond head hanging. “You’re mad.”

“I’m confused, and as that annoys me, I look upset.”

“…Oh, Is confusion better than anger?”

“In this case… I’m uncertain,” was the edged reply, but he let go of the coat. “But it seems… there’s something we should discuss.”

The blond shrugged, trying to be nonchalant. “I didn’t know you could speak another language, and unfortunately for me, I find that very attractive. I just ‘know’ them, so when someone puts the work in… Doesn’t mean I’m gonna tie you down and have my way with you or anything! It’s- it’s just a thing! A slip! Can we forget about it? I know you hate it when people even hit on you, I’m not going to- again- that just caught me off guard, you know? So, um… Fuck, please say something.”

The brunet, a contemplative look on his face, voiced, “Something.”

“Al…” the king groaned.

“Lilith?”

“Worse!”

“And yet, a genuine question,” Alastor stated, regaining the king’s attention. “You’ve said you and Lilith don’t act married, so to speak, but you are still married.”

“Do you have any idea how much work it would be to integrate a new queen? And there’s no reason, even- Lilith’s amazing at it! Much better than I ever was. Is that a- Ohhhh,” the king realized, buckling over laughing.

The taller man watched the spectacle. “Whenever you’re ready, Lucifer.”

“S-Sorry,” the blond managed, taking in deep breaths to calm himself, still leaning on the back of the couch. “I’m- I’m sorry I can’t think of a better way to word this, but… Do you think I’m trying to make you my sweet stuff on the side?”

Alastor’s skin was already darker in color, so it wasn’t super obvious, but his face had turned darker, and his mouth had gone quite thin-lipped.

“You know, you can’t actually die of embarrassment.”

“I’m not so sure,” the darker-toned man’s pained tone came- making the other laugh.

“Lilith and I will always be king and queen of Hell, but it’s simply that. She’s doesn’t care who I spend my free time with, and all I have ever wanted from you Alastor, was your company.”

“Then, if that’s so, why does she hate me so much?”

“She doesn’t hate you!”

“I find that difficult to believe, as I haven’t seen her since I first met her.”

“She’s… cautious of you, I think, because you’re still alive. Technically speaking, your afterlife isn’t set in stone.”

A dark eyebrow arched.

“Yes, yes, I know; but she is right- anything could happen between now and whenever you die, and there are a few actions that are said to be a one-way ticket to Heaven, no matter your sins otherwise.”

“Lucifer, at this point, if they try to keep me in Heaven, I will burn that city to the fucking ground until they let me leave.”

There was an almost unbearable fondness blooming in the shorter man’s dual-colored eyes. “Oh, Al- you can be so sweet. I might have to break about fifty protocols just to watch,” he snickered, deciding to sit on the couch rather than lean on it.

Alastor joined him. “Not just kicked out, but exiled completely? Rude.”

“Took all six elders to do it, too,” came the proud statement. “…What were we talking about?”

His companion chuckled. “Flirting, I think. I do hate an intrusive approach by random strangers,” came the good-natured admittance. “I’ve… gotten to know you, at least I hope I have, and… as long as, well…”

“I don’t turn into a clingy, lovesick mess, you’re maybe interested?”

“That. Yes.”

Dual-colored eyes brightened. “I can do that!” he happily shared. “Well, I can get clingy sometimes, but just tell me and I’ll stop,” was the diplomatic add. “What?” he asked when the darker-toned man snickered.

“This is just not what I would have ever expected of the personality of the king of Hell.”

“Yeah… I get that a lot. So, uh… now what?”

“Other than dreading phoning my mother back, as we are now dating and that makes her right, I have no idea.”

“We weren’t dating when she called,” Lucifer pointed out. “And is it dating if you haven’t actually gone on a date yet?”

“Ordinarily, I’d say no, but our circumstances are rather unique. I suppose one could say we’ve had a few dates already.”

“Nah, I wouldn’t want to nullify our friendship like that.”

How very touching. Alastor had fully expected the other man to agree, but instead acknowledged their relationship so far for what it was. “What brought you by today?”

A shrug. “Had some free time, thought I’d see if you were home and say ‘hi.’ Hi,” he added awkwardly. “Why? Wanna go out tonight?”

“Eh, I’m not really the ‘going out’ type.”

Now, Lucifer laughed. “You don’t say. You do seem to like that one club.”

“It’s nice when I don’t want to go right home after work. And Mimzy’s as annoying as all Hell, but she puts on a good show.”

“First, Hell is way more annoying than Mimzy. Second… there’s always what we do pretty much whenever we’re together.”

“I put on a record and one of us makes food happen?”

The deadpan summary made the king snort. “That’s followed by a few hours of good conversation, yes. I know I always enjoy that part. I… like to think you do, too.”

“I don’t recall ever not enjoying your company, Lucifer.”

“Oh? Even the first-?” he was cut off by the phone again ringing.

Alastor groaned, then replied as he went over to answer it, “That was jarring, but I wouldn’t say unpleasant,” he managed before again picking up the receiver. “Alas-“

“Alastor! Please!” Mimzy. “The line was busy when I called before- did you ask him?!”

The brunet groaned, then paused. There was a way to make her stop. If she was so serious about all this business, he could be just as serious. “What’s in it for me?”

The woman’s squeak of protest could be heard from the couch, if his companion’s laughter was any indication.

“Don’t act so surprised,” he continued. “You’d be eating up my entire weekend, the only time I have for myself, mind, forcing me to be not only social but pleasant in that time, and I’m supposed to do all this out of the goodness of my nonexistent heart? Tell me what I get out of it, Mimzy, and I’ll consider it.”

“I’ll owe ya a favor!”

“Ha! I’m not falling for that again.” She always backed out.

Lucifer sat up against the back of the couch to face him. “I think you should do it.”

“I’d love to know the reasoning,” the taller man replied.

“I wanna see you all dressed up.”

Another ‘thing’ he liked, perhaps? In this case, the taller man was feeling indulgent. And it’d be nice to dance with the shorter man again. “An obnoxious social obligation isn’t necessary for that.”

“It isn’t?”

“Sorry, Mimzy; you’re on your own,” he spoke into the receiver, then promptly hung up to rejoin the blond on the couch. “It isn’t. I know of at least two high-class clubs that couldn’t care less about who is dancing with who as long as all parties are respectful.”

“That sounds nice.”

“It can be.”

“Did… we just plan our first date?”

“No. We just started planning our first date.”

“Ugh, must you be so literal?”

“I suppose not, but it is a lot of fun.”

The king’s eyes rolled. “Fine, then. We have a place; what about a day?”

“Well, personally, my next day off isn’t until next weekend. I don’t mind going out after work, usually, but that might be a bit of a late start.”

“Mm, a day we’re both free would be ideal… Next weekend, then? Saturday? Shit, no, wait- Sunday? I’m already going to Ozzie’s with Lily and Charlotte on Saturday.”

“Ozzie’s. That’s your friend, right? Lust?”

“Yeah! Yeah, he has a restaurant. One of the most popular places in Hell.”

“Sounds like a fun night. Sunday night works for me; I don’t have any plans.”

“Now we’ve planned our first date.”

“Time, Your Highness?”

Another eyeroll. “Did you have a preference?”

Alastor laughed at the dry tone. “I could have dinner ready for around five, go out after?” he offered.

“It’s a date!” the blond proclaimed, laughing.

“Well… I should start getting ready for work,” the brunet begrudgingly admitted.

“Oh, is that what all this is?” the shorter man asked, glancing to the papers on the coffee table.

“Most, but not this,” was the reply, fishing for one specific piece to show his visitor, and felt foolish for how proud he felt handing it to him.

“Jacob Young? Oh, is this guy next on your list?”

“Aside from the fact that I don’t actually have a list, yes. It appears he likes beating on his wife and kids; I was going to look into it more after work tonight.”

“How?”

“Paying the house a visit- they’ll just never know I was there.”

“Oo! Can I come?”

Kneejerk reaction was a wholehearted ‘No,’ but, maybe he could refuse without being an ass about it. “I’m going to be out fairly late, are you sure you want to come?”

“Time passes differently in Hell- it’ll be fine!”

Lucifer looked so sure of himself it was difficult not to believe him… “Have you ever done anything like this before?”

“Spying on mortals? No, not really. Why? Is it harder than I think it is?”

“Subtlety isn’t exactly your… specialty.” And Lucifer didn’t have to worry about going to jail.

“…Fair,” was the reply, tone edged in barely detectable irritation. “But I also have magic! You know I can do portals and teleportation, but I can also make myself invisible to mortals. I’m super handy.”

“I didn’t mean to imply you weren’t,” Alastor chuckled, desperate to do damage control. “How about a bit of a challenge?”

The blond head cocked with interest.

“Follow me home after work tonight without me noticing and sure, you can come with me.”

“Okay! What time do you get out of work?”

The taller man gave a light shrug.

“Playing dirty, huh?”

“We’ve known each other a few weeks now, Lucifer; you really don’t know?”

“Easily remedied,” the king deadpanned, and summoned a portal home. “I’ll leave you to your day,” he continued, standing. “And I’ll see you tonight.”

“Looking forward to it,” the brunet smirked, watching him go.

’Oh, this will be fun.’

&&
&&

Lucifer was giddy. He couldn’t show he was giddy, it wouldn’t do for a ruler to be giddy, especially during an overlord meeting, but he was. He was so excited he could barely sit still and look politely interested while Overlord A droned on and on about Overlord B sneaking spies onto their territory- which couldn’t even be proven, by the way.

“Marcus,” Lilith spoke up, finally interrupting the indignant monologue. “You know we can’t intercede without proof, and as it is-“

“But if you-“

“Interrupt her again and see what happens,” Lucifer snarled, not shifting otherwise from his borderline disinterested posture.

“Forgiveness, Your Highnesses; I beg you permit me but two of your guard.”

“No,” the king deadpanned. “It’s your territory. You keep it secure or leave it to someone who can.”

Overlord B’s face fell. “Y-Yes, Your Highness.”

“Well,” Lilith smiled then. “Was there any other business?” Silence. “Well then, until next time.”

Polite nods and farewells were seen and heard until the room was empty but for the royals.

“Luci, surely you know you don’t have to do that.”

“I didn’t have to do that even when we were together, but at least then, you thought it was cute,” he admitted.

“I still think it’s cute.”

“…Some instincts die hard. I do apologize.”

“No need,” she smiled, and gave his cheek a kiss. “Do you have plans for tonight?”

“Oh. Uh actually, yeah.”

“Pity. I was thinking of leaving Charlotte with Bee and just the two of us could go to Ozzie’s.”

“I guess it’ll have to wait for another night. Was there anything else that needed to be taken care of today?”

“Nothing I can’t handle- go have fun with Alastor.”

“How do you know my pla- Okay, that’s fair,” he replied to her arched eyebrow.

“Mind if I tag along to your portal home?”

“Of course not; right this way, my queen,” was the reply, the portal opening up. “Ladies first.”

He practically skipped to his own room and checked the time. Alastor should be at work. Perfect. Snapping out of his more official suit for more casual wear, he made another portal to the mortal’s world.

&&
&&

Flying overhead and invisible, the king saw that there were two radio stations in the city, but… He did know Alastor’s license plate number and, gratefully, it was at the first lot he checked.

Step one, complete.

Still invisible to the mortal eye, Lucifer started checking windows to locate his quarry. Surprisingly, it was only about twenty minutes before the seraph found the man’s profile, writing at a large desk. And while Lucifer was sure his closet was bigger than that office, he had no doubt Alastor was proud to have it- literally. He knew pride, and Alastor was full of it.

Claire, smiling, appeared in the doorway. The window was open, he could hear plainly that she was asking if he wanted more coffee and the brunet didn’t even look up to confirm he did, but it was such bullshit that she got to see him almost every day. ’But I get to see him socially, and for longer periods, so being jealous really is stupid.’

The field angel brought back the filled mugs. “Were you going to ‘Aces’ tonight, Mr. Legare?” she asked politely.

“No, I have plans elsewhere tonight,” was the reply, still not looking up.

“Someone special?” Claire had noticed the spy in the window and seemed to be trying not to be obvious about it.

Alastor’s head slowly rose. “Yes, I think that’s so,” a thoughtful tone replied.

“Guess who his plans are with!” Lucifer preened, unheard by the darker-toned man, double-flipping Claire off.

“Oh, well, have fun!” she smiled with false cheer, then rushed from the office.

Alastor’s head cocked slightly, understandably confused, then went back to writing.

…What was he writing? The blond climbed into the room to have a look.

Oh. It looked like he was taking notes off a newspaper article. He turned the page soon after- and was snickering. “A cheese truck driving out of control and crashing. So many puns, so little time.”

Lucifer had a snort. “I can’t help but wonder how many of those puns would get you fired.”

“Probably all of them,” Alastor muttered back, then stalled. “Lucifer?”

“Dammit!” the king cussed, letting the taller man see him. “I swear, They left just enough angel in me to be annoying.”

“What, was that you being a conscience?” came the chuckle, going back to making notes.

“So very unintentionally,” was the sigh. “Pity.”

“If you want to come with me so badly tonight, you’re still welcome,” Alastor continued to chuckle. “It’s going to be pretty boring for you if you decide to stick around until then, though.”

“I don’t know about that,” the shorter man replied, eyeing Claire glaring at him. “I’m pretty good at finding ways to occupy myself.”

“Okay… and what did Miss. Figg do to you?”

“She showed up here,” was the retort before remembering that he wasn’t going to tell Alastor her identity. Oops.

His companion looked up. “She’s… an angel?” Lucifer gave a nod. “That’s why she’s been up my ass? Here I was thinking she was a masochist.”

“She’s an angel doing fieldwork. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the definition of masochism.”

“Oh,” came the groan then. “Please tell me you two aren’t fighting over me.”

The king couldn’t stop a scoff. “Not much of a fight, really.”

“So, what? You’re going to go taunt her or something?”

“My presence is enough to taunt her,” the king smirked. “At this point, I’m more curious about what you’re doing.”

“Stupid notes for a stupid news brief later on,” was the dry reply. “Seriously, my job is not that interesting, but I do have to get back to it.”

“Can I help?”

“No.”

“Boo.” Lucifer slumped off to the side, weighing his options. He didn’t want to go back home right away, especially after that conversation with Lilith. He’d always care for her, but dinner? The two of them? That was begging for nostalgia to strike again and Charlotte to end up with a sibling. And while Char would probably love-

“Leg-airr,” a hard tone spoke up suddenly, and it took a second for the blond to realize it was someone, probably purposefully, pronouncing Alastor’s last name wrong. Charming.

Alastor, for his part, didn’t even stop writing, let alone glance up.

“Leg-aiiiirrrr.”

Nothing.

“Fuck, you really can’t even climb off that horse for a fucking joke, can you, Lee-gree?”

At the correct pronunciation, Alastor did look up, a pleasant smile in place. “And to what do I owe today’s harassment? Fight with the wife? Kathy won’t suck your shriveled cock?”

“You fucking wish you knew what my cock looked like.”

Stone-faced, the darker-toned man replied, “The written language does not have the means to express my revulsion.”

“Whatever, you’re a fruit- we both know it.”

“I’m going to ask one more time if there’s an actual reason for your presence before I start ignoring you again.”

“It’s October now, so everyone’s all into that spooky shit- you don’t have to do the news thing in the middle.”

“Wow, that would’ve been great to know before I was making notes for two hours.”

“It would have, wouldn’t it?” the man in the doorway grinned wildly, and took his leave.

“And who was that charmer?” Lucifer asked, taking the seat in front of the brunet’s desk.

“Carl. My boss,” his companion sighed, setting the notes under a folder that was probably full of horror stories.

“My sympathies.”

“Thank you.”

While Alastor worked, Lucifer decided to be a big boy and snapped up a bit of his own from his desk at home. Turns out, it was really nice working together like this, even if words weren’t exchanged.

Bonus? Claire obviously did not want to come into that office, her visits short and strictly coffee related. But after the second one, the darker-toned man ventured, “I’m guessing she can see you, too?”

“Whether I want her to or not,” the king sighed. “I assume she’s usually chattier?”

“Yes and no. I… hope I’m not the only one here she’s supposed to be paying attention to- the thought of anyone wasting their time on me is… unsettling.”

Aw. “I’m sure she has her fair share of side missions,” Lucifer provided.

“…In any case, I’m going down to the studio; are you following me there, too?”

“If you don’t want me to, I won’t.”

“A little… odd, perhaps, as I’m normally there alone. Occasionally, I’ll have a live guest…” He shrugged, then stood. “I wouldn’t object,” he stated finally. “This has been the nicest afternoon I’ve ever spent at work.”

“How long have you worked here?”

“Ten years.”

“Ouch.”

“Yeah,” he agreed, and picked up the folder and notebook to walk out of the room.

Lucifer followed. He considered a particularly petty wave to Claire as they passed her desk, but that seemed unnecessarily childish; she really was wasting her time on Alastor, and they both knew it.

As he was invisible to all other eyes, he kept from directly talking to the taller man, taking in his surroundings. The wood walls and floor were largely bare and undecorated- was that just the style in this era? It was very Alastor, the man’s house and office were much of the same, but that didn’t seem like a good way for a business to be… Probably why Alastor liked it.

If he liked it. Was this a job he even liked, or was it just Carl that pissed him off?

Things to find out later, as Alastor opened the door into the studio much more widely than needed to so the king could go through with him unnoticed. But there wasn’t a chair, aside from the one Alastor was going to need to occupy. Not a huge problem; the blond sat with his back against a corner of the small room.

“Are you sure you’re good there?” the taller man quietly asked.

“How long is your broadcast?”

“About four hours.”

“I’ll be fine.”

The brunet gave a small nod and took his own set, promptly moving some of the switches.

“You have to handle all that yourself?”

Another subtle nod. They were alone, why was he-? Oh. There was a window in the door, and Carl was looking through it.

After a moment, he came in. “Oh, I misspoke earlier; you actually will need those notes- hope you have time to go get them!” the man laughed, and was gone again.

“I can just-“ Lucifer started to offer, but Alastor held up the notepad he’d been writing in earlier.

“He pulled the same stunt three years ago. Apparently, he didn’t think I’d remember.”

“Nice. On you, not him.”

“Thanks,” his companion chuckled. “I’m gonna start now, okay?”

“If I disappear, I’ll be back before you’re done.”

“Noted,” was the reply. A final switch turned on several red lights, including one outside, and Alastor was greeting his listeners.

He really did have a lovely voice. ’I bet his whisper is intoxicating,’ the king mused. ’Just slides across your ear like a satin pillowcase.’ He even had a guilty chill at the pleasant thought, knowing it was one the man himself probably wouldn’t appreciate but, really, could Alastor be angry with a stray thought?

Probably.

’But what he doesn’t know won’t hurt me- providing I can keep my trap shut.’

The stories were even interesting. Lucifer had a habit of forgetting that not all of humanity’s primal instincts were bathed in blood. One of the most wonderful instincts they had was to entertain each other; storytelling, art, jokes… To create. They needed to create.

’I haven’t had much time for that myself lately,’ he realized. After a moment, he neatly (and quietly) put his papers aside.

But… what to…?

Alastor was describing a monster roaming through the forest to his listeners. Summoning a bit of light, the seraph began to form a toy according to the words. He’d already talked about a large footprint that was found…

“…she was appalled by the thing that stood before her, yet drawn to it.”

Talk about relatable.

“It stood twice her height,”

He swirled the light higher.

“was covered from head to toe in dark fur,”

Darkened the light.

“and two large, red circles were its eyes, piercing through the darkness; she swore they ripped right into her soul.”

Dot. Dot.

“But the eeriest thing about the creature’s appearance were the two large wings extending from its back, so heavy they dragged behind it as it walked.”

Hmm.

“Neither feathers of an angel nor the leather of a demon, but wide, flat, and black- straight from the center of Hell itself.”

Heaven’s embassy was at the center of Hell, but that was neither here nor there.

By the time the host was signing off, there were five newly made figures in front of the visitor.

“See, I tried to warn you it would-“ the brunet stalled, blinking at the creations. “Did you… just make all those?” Nod. “How?

“The same way I made your phone,” the paler man replied logically, letting a small glow dance between his hands. “Light.”

Another blink. His brow furrowed a second. One could say he looked astonished. “You’re amazing,” he spoke, as if… as if it were true.

“These… aren’t anything,” he muttered, feeling himself grow warm.

“Disagree,” Alastor smiled, now holding the first one made that evening. “They’re much more detailed than even the descriptions I had.”

“I guess so…”

“Lucifer,” Alastor deadpanned, making the blond look up. “You’re royalty; have some fucking self-respect.”

He couldn’t stop a snort. “Royalty by default,” he replied, standing as the taller man did with his papers. He was holding onto that creature, too. Huh.

“Oh, so the whole ‘second only to God’ thing isn’t true?” came the kid.

“Haha!” Lucifer replied humorlessly. “I’m not answering that.”

“Aw, so cruel,” the darker-toned man continued to snicker, then the two headed back to his office. “These figures,” he continued shortly after they’d arrived, putting down the items he carried- but still looked at the small creature. “Are they invisible, too?”

“At the moment, but, ah, it looks like you wanna keep that one.”

“If it’s all right with you, yes.”

Lucifer snapped.

Alastor put the figure down on his desk, put away the paper stuff in a drawer, picked up a folder that had appeared in their absence, then asked, “Ready to go?”

“To show you how subtle I totally can be? Absolutely!”

The brunet snorted and led the way out to his car.

Alastor placed the folder on the driver’s seat, then reached for a small duffel back he swung over his shoulder. “Do you think your royal feet can handle some walking?”

“I rather enjoy walking, thank you,” was the retort. “Especially on a night as lovely as this.”

“Mm, it is rather nice, yes,” his companion agreed, and they fell into step with one another.

“I’m guessing our destination isn’t far?” Lucifer asked after a moment.

“Feet hurt already, Your Highness?”

“Smartass. I can’t just want to know where we’re going?”

Alastor enjoyed a light snort. “Not far; the walk will only be twenty minutes or so.”

The king didn’t dare voice that was much more walking than he was used to, but maybe once they were done the brunet could be talked into a teleport back. Even though he said none of this out loud, Alastor’s smirk was pretty telling.

Whatever.

It was still a nice walk, the two continuing in companiable silence for a few more blocks before an authoritative tone called out, “Sir!”

Lucifer turned to look from habit, not missing the taller man’s dark eyes narrow in irritation before returning to a neutral expression then turning himself. A police officer was briskly walking up to them to address the blond, “Sir, is this man bothering you?”

The shorter man paused in confusion before replying, “No, he’s a friend, we’re fine, thank you.”

Now the newcomer looked confused. “Are- are you sure? My partner and I can-“

“Quite sure,” was the stiff reply, becoming annoyed by this ridiculous inquiry. If the two of them had been bickering or something he could see a misunderstanding, but they’d only been walking calmly together. “I’m also certain your attention would be much more useful elsewhere, Officer.”

The man pursed his lips but nodded and walked away.

“What the fuck was that?”

Alastor had a soft smile. “You genuinely don’t realize it, do you?”

“I’d love to learn.”

“Another time; we’re almost at our destination.”

“Nice!” the king spoke happily, attention deferred. “Is there a plan, or are we just winging it?”

“I never ‘wing it,’ Lucifer. Never.”

“Okay, then; what’s the plan?”

“See what can be seen from the outside and go from there.”

“I dunno, Alastor- that sounds a lot like winging it to me.”

The taller man made a face. “That’s because I don’t yet have enough actual information to work with, mostly rumors. Would you like me to go over every possible contingency?”

“I’m good.”

“That’s what I thought,” came the smirk. After another minute or so, they turned up an alleyway and the brunet opened the bag to take out a pair of black gloves.

Lucifer watched him pull them on a little too intensely.

“Something you care to share with the rest of the class, Your Highness?” came the tease.

“I’m good,” he swallowed that time, and interestingly enough, the comment made his companion lightly laugh. It was nice to know his overactive libido wasn’t being held against him.

Hopefully.

“So, uh, I’ll fly up and check the top floors?” he offered then, eager for a subject change.

“Sure,” the brunet replied, easy-going demeanor not changing- until three sets of wings unfurled.

Granted, the change in expression was probably a lot more subtle in Alastor than it had been in himself, but it was still there. “Something you care to share?” the king teased now.

“Not… at present,” the taller man managed.

Lucifer decided to grant him a reprieve, flying to the top floor without another word, invisible to any eyes on the inside.

Well, almost any. They had a cat, and hiding from animals was a lot more complicated.

The feline’s ear flicked, looking through the window with interest. “Did you really come to get him yourself, Your Highness?”

Oo. An agreeable cat. “Not exactly,” he replied. “A friend of mine really wants to put him out of his misery, though- providing you mean Jacob.”

“The father, not the son, yes,” she replied. “Will it be tonight? Your friend would be doing this family a great favor.”

While Alastor would probably take his word about the conversation it would be more beneficial to the other man to have visual and/or auditory proof all his own. One didn’t want to leave any room for doubt in these situations and he told the cat as much.

“Ah, your friend is mortal,” she replied sagely, and the king couldn’t stop a chuckle.

“We haven’t been friends long, either, and I don’t exactly have the best reputation.”

The feline laughed, a trilling sound in the otherwise empty room. “It’s been quiet tonight,” she purred. “Your friend might not get that proof today.”

“Oh, he’s very willing to come back if needed. Is there-? What?” he asked, the animal’s attention suddenly switching to the hallway behind her.

“I think your friend found their way inside.”

“Is Jacob still awake?”

“Barely, when I came upstairs. Gina got the kids to bed before he came back, but if he does see your friend…”

“Yeah. When is… a convenient time to come back?”

“Saturday evenings seem the most… active.”

“All right. Thank you for the information.”

The feline’s small, furry head lowered a moment, then trotted from the room.

Lucifer flew back down to where he’d left his companion, relieved to see the man edging his way back out the back door. “I thought you weren’t going inside yet.”

A shrug. “Most don’t leave their doors open.”

“Did he see you? The cat said he might still be awake.”

“The cat?”

“Right, yeah. I’m kind of a walking translator.”

“Huh. And if I even thought he’d seen me, I’d be moving us along much more quickly. As far as I can tell, he’s passed out drunk from only a few beers. Lightweight,” the brunet scoffed, putting his gloves away and starting the walk back.

The shorter man followed. “Not that I’d want to come to his defense, but I’m pretty sure every living mortal is a lightweight compared to you.”

Alastor allowed himself a short laugh. “Only living mortals?”

“Wow, are you actually thinking you stand a chance against an immortal?”

“Only one specifically, really.”

That mischievous look in his eye… “You think you might have a shot against meway more information than you did.”

“From the cat?”

“Yup! She said to come back on a Saturday evening, ‘cause I figured you’d still want your own proof he’s a dick.”

“I mean no offense, but ideally, yes.”

“No, I get it; that’s not something you want to be questioning later.”

“I’m glad you understand.”

The conversation tapered off then, the walk still pleasant- until Lucifer noticed Alastor almost turn his head towards him. Twice. The darker-toned man opened his mouth to speak both times before changing his mind and turning back away. Lucifer saw it happen twice more before stating, “Whatever it is, just ask, Alastor.”

“…Even if it’s not at all my business?”

“If that’s what I think, I just won’t answer, simple as that. Where’d all that audacity go?” the shorter man grinned, enjoying the other man’s sheepish look.

“You said the exterminations started happening millennia ago.”

“I did.”

“And that was also when your and Lilith’s marriage became a marriage in name only.”

“Also true.”

“You’ve mentioned a daughter. A few times.”

“I have,” the king confirmed, now reasonably sure as to where this was going.

“From the way you speak of her, it sounds as if she’s still a child.”

“Because she is.”

“…So, is Charlotte aging slowly, or is there something I’m missing?”

Lucifer took a breath. “Both. You’re probably thinking Char’s about ten or so?” A nod. “She is, but time passes more slowly in Hell than here; for every year there, ten have passed here.”

Another slow nod. “That means she’s about a hundred to me… that’s still much less than one millennia, let alone many.”

“That’s because my drug of choice is usually sentimentality, and that night, a nice night went way too far. I don’t regret Charlotte, but… yeah,” he finished lamely, glad to be back at the car.

“I see. You didn’t have to tell me any of that. Thank you.” Before his companion could do more than nod, he continued, “Will you be joining me at home, or do you need to head back?”

Lilith wouldn’t be expecting him home for a while yet, and Charlotte should be at Bee’s and long in bed. He’d bet any money the woman let her stay up late. Not wanting to crash his wife’s personal time, and wanting to stay in this realm, he replied, “I have some time; I thought that would take longer.”

“Likewise,” Alastor sighed, getting into the car, the blond following suit. “But if he’s already passed out drunk, I’m not going to waste my time there. Saturday evenings, you said?”

“The cat said. So, what’s the new plan for tonight?”

“I’m spending the rest of the night with you,” the taller man replied, starting the car. His expression wasn’t sweet or playful- he was stating a fact, and somehow, that made it sweet. “I had thought that much obvious- unless you do need to be elsewhere.”

“Nope,” Lucifer smiled. “That’s fine with me.”

Chapter Text

I’m outside the door, invite me in
So we can go back and play pretend
Cause I don’t know where I’m going,
But do you got room for one more troubled soul?
I don’t know where I’m going,
But I don’t think I’m coming home
Say, yeah
Let’s be alone together’

&&
&&

“Hi, Uncle Ozzie!”

“Young Charlotte! And you even have your parents with you!” Asmodeus greeted the family as they entered his restaurant. “To what do I owe the pleasure this evening? Are we celebrating?”

“We just haven’t been out together in a while,” the king replied warmly. “It’s good to see you, Ozzie.”

“For me as well, my friends! It has been some time, hasn’t it? Be sure to look over the menu; there’s some new items you might enjoy. I have some business to attend to now, but I’ll come back over in a little while, all right?”

“Sounds good.”

The waitress, a polite little thing called Mia, graciously greeted them, provided menus, and took drink orders. While he was sure they had to be polite to everyone, Lucifer had wondered once or twice what service would be like if they weren’t who they were.

“From the way Ozzie was acting, you’d think we hadn’t been out in eons,” he voiced after Mia left them to look over the menus.

“Maybe not eons,” Lilith chuckled. “But as Asmodeus said, it has been some time, hasn’t it, Charlotte?”

“It’s been forever, Mommy. Can I get tenders and fries?”

“Of course, Sweetie.”

&&

The family enjoyed themselves for just over an hour, but their host was still nowhere to be seen- and no one wanted to just up and leave without a word. “I’ll go see if he’s in his office- if not, we don’t really have a choice,” Lucifer reasoned, and Lilith agreed.

The office was at the end of a long hallway in the back of the restaurant, and thankfully, it was currently a vacant one. His social battery was nearly at its limit with pleasantries.

The king knocked twice, then waited. Nothing. Perhaps he was in some other part of the building? Just to be sure, Lucifer knocked again and called, “Ozzie? Are you there?”

“Just a second, Luce! I’ll be right there!” the other Sin called back, sounding hurried… even panicked. What in the world was going on in there?

Not a minute later, the larger man opened the door looking flushed, disheveled, and out of breath. “Oh,” the visitor realized with a chuckle. “Now I understand. Who’s the lucky entity?”

“Errr…”

“Oh, come on, Oz; we both know I have no room to judge anyone for their choice in partners. Who have you deemed worth your free time?”

“I don’t want to be rude, Luce, but maybe I could come by tomorrow? Or give you a call? It’s, ah, a little complicated.”

“Sure!” was the easy-going reply. “Whichever; I’ll be home till mid-afternoon-ish, then I’m meeting up with Alastor. It’s out first official date.”

“And that sounds like something I would like to hear more about!” Asmodeus laughed. “Is one too late?”

“I don’t think so. See you then.”

“See you then,” his friend replied, and the door closed again.

Lucifer couldn’t resist putting an ear to the door a moment, but nothing, noise or voice, came through. “Guess I’ll have to wait till tomorrow,” he mused, and walked back out to rejoin his family.

&&
&&

The next morning, Lucifer was borderline giddy with excitement. Well, he’d been out cold until Charlotte had climbed up to jump on the bed and he’d promptly treated her to a tickle attack. But once coherent, giddy with excitement.

Still, there was a morning of mind-numbing paperwork to get through if he wanted to be able to do anything else guilt-free. He snapped himself up his usual attire plus pancakes to present Charlotte (and Lilith, if she so desired), and left the room to start his day.

&&

Ozzie was early, arriving closer to 12:30 than one, but that was fine. Had the king’s attention span faltered any more, he was considering just going to go see the man himself.

Lucifer welcomed his guest into his study, and they’d barely sat when he inquired, “Well? What’s with all the secrecy? Don’t keep me in suspense.”

“Most offer a drink first,” the visitor laughed.

A snap, and two piping hot cups of tea appeared on the tea table between them. “Any other procrastinations you’d like to try?”

“Said the master to the student.”

“Ozzie!”

Asmodeus indulged in another laugh. “All right, all right. He isn’t someone you know, I think.”

“I won’t know for sure until you tell me his name.”

“…Fizzorolli.”

Finally, Lucifer sat back. “I think you’re right, but I am shit with names.”

“Oh, I know. I also know that you don’t know many, if any, imps.”

“An imp? When did you come across an imp, let alone get to know one?”

“He’s one of Mammon’s clowns. His most popular, in fact.”

“Oh, wait, yeah! I do, well, know of him. Huh. Love at first sight?” came the coy ask.

“I think so,” the larger man replied with a small smile. “Definitely for me, but Fizzy was understandably cautious: it was a good while before he trusted me when we were alone.”

That sounded familiar. He was still earning Alastor’s trust, but progress was certainly being made.

“But once he did, fuck… Luce, it’s been wonderful.”

Things to look forward to. “Then why are you sneaking around?”

“Is that a serious question?” Ozzie asked incredulously.

“No, just a poorly thought-out one. Sorry.” If it was known how much the two cared about each other, if nothing else, it would put a huge target on Fizzorolli, especially as an imp. They were the bottom of the barrel so to speak; no powers of note to defend themselves.

The king was waved off. “He surprised me last night. Snuck in through my office window, and I completely forgot to come back and-“

“Ozzie. Stop. It’s fine, but it you want to make amends, come for a visit once in a while. Charlotte misses her favorite uncle.”

“I’ll check my schedule and make a point of it.”

“Good.”

“Now, onto your newest partner,” the visitor grinned. “Alastor, yes? If your first official date is tonight, it must be going well.”

“Still in the earning trust phase, but yes, I think so,” Lucifer replied, feeling himself grow warm. “We’re going dancing.”

“Ah, a perfect setting, to be close but not feel the need for words.”

“True, but words aren’t usually a problem; most of our meet ups thus far have been hours-long conversations at his house. Tonight, he’s making dinner- Ozzie, he’s such an amazing cook- and them we’re going out. I don’t know where, but he did use the phrase ‘high-class club,’ so I maaay need some help looking presentable. I’m not that familiar with the current acceptable dress code for mortals.”

“Not to different from our own, actually, but I would be overjoyed to help out, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Yes. Yes, it is.”

“To your rooms, them?”

“I don’t have to leave for a couple hours yet.”

“Ah, Lucifer. You are so very dear to me, but your lack of fashion expertise continues to show.”

“Rude, but okay. Let’s go.”

&&
&&

Lucifer could barely stand still long enough to summon a portal to Alastor’s house. He’d finally settled on cocktail suit version of his usual attire, hoping he wasn’t overdressed. Ozzie even agreed that it was a good choice.

Their first official date.

He couldn’t remember the last time he was so excited.

Humming to himself, he stepped through the portal.

The living room was empty. More than that, no music was playing nor was anything cooking. The space was completely- no. Not silent. Heavy, painful breathing, almost gasping. Coming from the kitchen. Warily, Lucifer made his way to the room.

Alastor was curled up in a far corner, breathing hard, flushed an unsightly color, sweating profusely… and when he saw the newcomer hesitantly approaching, tried to push himself even further into the corner he was in.

“Al, what’s wrong?” Lucifer asked with as much calm as he could muster.

“Go a-away,” the brunet tried to snarl.

“Are you sick?”

“No! Just go!”

Lucifer had been taking cautious steps toward the man, and in passing the kitchen table, saw a pool of red in the corner of his eye. In the center of it was a face the newcomer barely recognized as Jacob Young- knife in the corpse. Knife? ’Alastor killed someone in his own house? He’s smarter than that… unless that guy did something really-‘

It clicked. Alastor would only lose control of himself like that if he were fully, properly pissed off. And being drugged was a hard violation. Lucifer snapped; the body and ensuing mess disappeared. “Alastor, I can help you.”

“NO!” he successfully snarled that time. “Go!”

“I can get the drugs out of your system faster,” the king gently explained.

Those dark brown eyes looked at him with so much hope it damn-near broke the king’s heart. “I do need to touch you, though- hand, shoulder; whatever you’re comfortable with.”

The taller man twitched, still fighting himself, and warily held out a hand.

Lucifer knelt down in front of him to gently place each of his own over each side of the offered appendage. “Close your eyes.” It wasn’t exactly needed but given that the both of them were going to start glowing a bit, it seemed a safe bet that the action would help things run more smoothly.

Alastor did as requested.

The blond began to softly chant. There was a time he could do this without words, but that time was long gone now- and really, it was one of a few talents he was amazed to be in possession of at all.

As a small pile of powder began to accumulate in his lower hand, Alastor was less strained. Not calming exactly, not at first, but as the seraph finished, the man shuddered.

Fuck, he was so cold.

Without thinking, Lucifer summoned his wings and pulled him close. “Oh, shit, sorry, I-“

“Shuddup.”

Alastor’s tone was so groggy but still so deadpan that he couldn’t help a soft smile, daring to card his fingers through sweaty brunet strands. “You’d probably benefit from a bath,” he gently spoke.

The only response was light breathing. Had he fallen asleep? Passed out was more likely, but still, Lucifer couldn’t help but feel flattered. It was a little awkward picking Alastor up and not disturb him, the man was probably twice his own height and all limbs, but the seraph managed it, deciding to quickly change and curl up with him- just until the taller man had warmed up, of course.

&&
&&

As Alastor roused from unconsciousness the next morning, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the bed was warmer, softer than it had ever been prior.

Wait.

That asshole had actually managed to slip him something. Jacob had realized he was being tailed and had promptly started tailing Alastor in turn. ’And I didn’t notice,’ he sighed to himself in disgust. The man had shown up at his own door with a blade and needle in hand. They’d struggled, and in the struggle, the needle had gotten him. Once he’d realized the effect it was having, he’d managed to stab the asshole, but by then, the effects were damn near taking him over, and…
Lucifer.

Alastor opened his eyes.

The king was still there, sound asleep, wings… wings wrapped around them both. His feathers- that’s what the darker-toned man was feeling. ’Even softer than I thought,’ he mused, moving his hand slightly to gently run his fingers through what he’d mistaken for down, amazed at the strong muscles hiding underneath. And the man himself… so warm now…

A shudder ran through the brunet.

“You should take a bath,” the shorter man now muttered groggily. “You could catch a cold.”

“I, ah, don’t suppose you could…?”

Lucifer barely raised his hand to snap.

“…Thanks,” the taller man muttered, wincing when saw the time on the clock to be just after noontime. As much as he didn’t want to move from the warmth, the threat of being late for work was a hefty motivator. Slowly as he possibly could while still moving, he got up, gathered a change of clothes and headed to the bathroom- where he promptly had a mental breakdown.

Lucifer had spent the night. With himself, no strings and no questions. How was it that the king of Hell understood consent better than some people?

Unless this was all a charade.

The brunet undressed and got into the warm water. It did feel nice.

What would the point be in lying, really? It wasn’t as if he didn’t have a one-way ticket to Hell before they’d met. So… yeah. The chances were much higher that this was all genuine.

But then, why? Coincidence?

Alastor didn’t care for putting much stock in such things, but… it was the only explanation. Lucifer had seen himself at work and liked what he saw.

Kind of.

It was his own motive, wasn’t it? Yes, that was what the king had said.

Alastor was killing, but he was killing those who were slipping through the system. Like a loophole, but not. He knew killing was wrong, but was not only doing it, but enjoying every moment.

(Except that last guy, he didn’t count.)

That was what had caught Lucifer’s attention that first day. His own logic at the world’s situation, and dare he think it, the exercising of his own free will. All their earlier encounters had been nice- and getting that shit out of his system sooner had been immeasurably appreciated, but what was Lucifer’s end game? For most, as far as the brunet knew, it was sex, and… well…

The blatant hit-on that first night had genuinely turned his stomach, but at the same time, he was also kind of hoping the blond was still in bed when he got out himself, because… ’Holy shit, I want to cuddle. With him. Wow. That’s… that’s new, for sure.’

Had his mother been right all along? Had he really just not found the right partner?

No. That was too simple an answer. And while there were times in his life that he’d found people aesthetically pleasing (like Lilith), he’d never felt actual attraction to another person (Lucifer included).

But… maybe there was a thing or two that could be tolerable, as long as Lucifer was the one he was doing those things with. Maybe.

Alastor sank back into the water. The warm water. Warm water Lucifer had conjured for him. Conjured for him to prevent him from catching a cold. ’Why does he care so much?!? And why am I losing the remnants of my sanity trying to make sense of him?!?’ Heaving a deep sigh, he proceeded to actually bathe himself rather than just bask in the water. People would be talking for weeks if the person who hadn’t even been tardy in ten years ran late for work.

Still in the bedroom and not as oblivious to the darker-toned man’s plight as he’d probably like, Lucifer had gotten out of bed and was stretching. But as he folded his wings, noticed an oncoming problem of his own.

A pinfeather.

“It has been a while, hasn’t it?” he sighed. Not that it was a process he minded- it was the most relaxing thing in the universe- but it also made him feel bad for Lilith, as it was also a very long process.

Although… would Alastor want to help? Would Lily allow his help?

Hm. Check with Lily first, then go from there. “You’re looking refreshed,” the king spoke as the brunet reappeared. “Heading to work?”

“Soon,” the taller man replied, then yawned. “I should get myself some food first, I assume you will-“

Lucifer snapped.

“Pancakes,” came the chuckle.

“Force of habit because Charlotte, but yes I do have to go for now- but I’ll at least give you a call later, if not a visit.”

“Fuck, Lucifer, I’m not going to crumble because of one idiotic incident. Although, the body…”

“Uhh, I snapped it away, but I don’t… Oh! Pretty sure it’s in the middle of the ocean. Sea life will find it long before anyone else.”

“Ah,” Alastor replied, rubbing the back of his neck. “I… wasn’t thinking clearly, so… thank you.”

“Wasn’t a problem! Talk to you later, okay?” the blond smiled, and teleported home.

Alastor was used to being on his own, but at that moment, he felt very much alone. “Shit. I really am falling for him, aren’t I?”

&&
&&

Lucifer managed to slide into his seat just as Lilith was calling everyone to order. She spared him a teasing smile, no doubt drawing her own conclusions about his lateness, then started the meeting.

He did his absolute best to pay attention, he really did, but he really hadn’t liked how he’d left Alastor, even if the taller man insisted it was fine. Even if it wasn’t fine, Alastor was not the sort to ask him to stay. They were both adults with responsibilities to attend to.

The king found himself kind of wishing he could see the future; it would be nice to know when that pragmatic attitude would be around all the time- as long as he didn’t think about the fact that he was actively wishing for the man’s death.

Eh, Alastor himself probably wouldn’t care, so why should he? Lucifer would bet good money that Alastor was looking forward to that day at least as much as he himself was.

And while he knew that the darker-toned man would likely complain that he didn’t need to be coddled, the blond still sent him a check-in text once the meeting was out.

He was through two more meetings and halfway into lunch before he received a response, and he could practically hear the brunet’s grumbling accompanying it.
Lucifer snickered anyway.

“What’s so funny, Daddy?”

He looked to his daughter, the two currently sharing sandwiches at her tea table, two stuffed animals and a doll having lunch with them. “Alastor’s just being silly,” he told her, putting the device away.

“You really like him, huh?”

“Yeah,” he replied, feeling himself flush slightly. “I really do.”

“Can I meet him, too?”

“I… I think that would be okay.”

Charlotte cheered.

Lucifer swallowed. He hadn’t meant to say that out loud, knowing he should make sure Lilith was okay with it- not to mention Alastor himself. At the same time, he couldn’t think of a reason why it wouldn’t be fine for them to meet, so he smiled with her.

&&

Lilith, however, could think of at least one very big reason. “You want to take our daughter to another realm to meet a serial killer,” she deadpanned later that night.
“It’s not like he’s one of the ones just killing people for fun,” Lucifer retorted, trying not to raise his voice. Charlotte was only a couple rooms away, and neither of them wanted her to think she was the cause of a fight.

“But he does enjoy it.”

“Shit, Lilith, it’s not as if he’s gonna put on a demonstration. Hell, you could come with us, if you want.”

The woman’s lips remained pursed, but she seemed to be considering the words. “Might I have a day or two to think on it?”

“Of course! Thank you. Oh. There is also- It can wait till later,” he tried, seeing irritation flicker in the corner of her gaze.

The queen took a breath. “No, no,” she smiled softly. “What is it? Something to do with Alastor, I presume?”

“Um, yeah. My, um, wings are getting all pinny and, um-“

“You want him to help you?”

She sounded so crushed. “More that I wondered if you wanted help; six wings is a lot.”

Gratefully, her light smile was back at the statement. “Actually, yes,” she replied. “And why don’t we do that before talking about taking Charlotte over further? It’ll be a chance for me to get to know him better, too.”

“Perfect! You always have a plan for everything, Lily.”

Her smile suddenly seemed… sad. “Not everything,” she quietly spoke.

“Lily, is… is there something we should talk about?”

“No,” she replied, expression unchanging. “Since you and Charlotte spent the afternoon together, would you mind if I spent the evening with her?”

“Not at all!” he managed, still worried. “That’ll give me time to update Al.”

Lilith gave a small nod, and left the room.

Lucifer considered following her but changed his mind, checking the time instead. Alastor should be getting out of work soon, and there was nothing pressing for himself to see to…

Snap.

&&

Alastor yawned while getting into his car, but as he put the key into the ignition was jerked wide awake by the sudden presence of Lucifer in the passenger’s seat.

“Ha, I made you squeak,” the blond chuckled.

“That, gratefully, no one was around to hear,” the darker-toned man grumbled. “Lucifer, I’m not in the habit of saying things I don’t mean, and –“

“Calm down; I’m not checking up on you.”

“Then why are you here?”

“I’m not allowed to visit?”

“You are, but you usually call first.”

“Am I impeding on any plans?”

“…No,” came the grumble again.

“Are you upset I’m not checking up on you?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Alastor started the car, then drove around the lot and into the road.

Lucifer watched him in the corner of his eye. Alastor was tired. Blinking more than usual and rubbing at the edges of his eyes under his glasses. Maybe this wasn’t the right time to ask. “How was your day, Dear?” the king asked in the same kidding tone as he had when he’d first posed the question.

“Mundane,” was the soft reply. “You?”

The inquiry surprised him. “A few boring-ass meetings. My survival of them was rewarded with a late lunch with Charlotte.”

“You really are quite fond of her, aren’t you?” The taller man’s tone was lightened with amusement.

“It’d be difficult not to be- she’s always trying to see the best in everyone. Once she’d calmed down from the other night, you know what she said? She wants to find a way to help them.”

“The souls in Hell?”

“Mmm-hm.”

“Is such a thing possible?”

“It’s laughable! But how can you not admire that she wants to try?”

“Sounds like she’s truly her father’s daughter.”

Lucifer opened his mouth to thank his companion for the compliment, then stalled. “Are you calling us both naïve idiots?”

Alastor smiled innocently. As innocently as he could, anyway. Which was alarmingly close to the mark.

“Jerk,” the blond snickered. “Well, as you’re clearly feeling better, there is something I did want to ask your help with in the near future.”

“What’s that?”

“Preening.”

“What’s that?”

“Preening. My wings. Well, helping Lilith preen my wings.”

“What’s involved?”

Did he really have no idea about this? Huh. “It’s just working pinfeathers loose.”

“…Could you stop using words I don’t know?”

Lucifer snorted. “The process itself is easy, it’s just that six wings is a lot and Lilith’s been the only one I can trust outside myself. I asked her how she’d feel about your help, and should you want to, she was favorable.”

“She… was?”

“Mm-hmm. She said it was an opportunity for you two to get to know each other.”

“She’s welcome at my house anytime, just as you are,” Alastor spoke, turning into his driveway.

“Does that mean you don’t want to?”

“Not what I said.”

“It’s okay if you don’t.”

“Still not what I said,” the brunet stated, now parked and turning the car off.

“Um, then…. What?”

“If she does want to get to know me as you say, then why has she not been back since her first visit? Is her schedule that much fuller than yours?”

The shorter man shrugged. “You’d have to ask her. Do you wanna think about it? Cause that’s okay, too.”

Alastor paused. “Could you show me what ‘preening’ entails?”

“Sure. But we have to get out of the car.”

“Fine,” was the stiff reply.

Once the two were out, the seraph spread his wings- the flustered look on his companion’s face was greatly encouraging. It didn’t take long to find a pinfeather. “You just find these stick-like ones and work them loose,” he explained, doing so.

“That doesn’t hurt?”

“These things are fucking itchy if they get too bad; can even start hurting. It’s doing me a favor, like I said.”

“Oh. Okay. Sure.”

Alastor was so tired. “Great! I’ll check when Lily’s free and let you know. I know you’re wiped, but I’m happy to conjure you some dinner before I go.”

“That does sound pleasant,” came the agreement, walking up to his front door- to freeze completely in front of it.

“What’s wrong?” Lucifer asked when the brunet head hung in exasperation.

“That,” the taller man spoke, pointing to a small cloth bag hanging off the doorknob. “That is a curse. So, now I have to cleanse the whole damn house before I do anything else.”

The blond wasn’t sure what all that meant, but he wanted the other man to eat. “…Does it affect the barn, too?”

“Ah… shouldn’t. why?”

“We’ll eat in the barn, you’ll get some energy going and can do what you need to with the house more easily, then get some sleep.”

Alastor was smiling softly again. “A perfect plan, Your Highness; what’s for dinner?”

“Any requests?”

&&
&&

Alastor woke the next morning in a mood far better than he’d woken in… Well, it had been a while. There was more than one benefit to a good house cleansing. And if he hadn’t watched Lucifer conjure the meal they’d shared in the barn, the brunet would have sworn the chicken and rice casserole had spent half the afternoon simmering in the oven.

But now, it was back to business. Jacob was dead, and as his corpse was being ripped apart by sea life and therefore could not be traced back to Alastor (shout out to Lucifer), he was free to search out a new target immediately.

Be it fortunate or not, the city was not short on assholes. There were a couple other people he’d been considering before deciding on Jacob, and before he decided again, he had a stop to make. He got dressed, gathered what he needed for work, and headed for the town hall, hoping Nadine was working.

&&

Luck was with him. Mimzy’s half sister was at the front desk, expression brightening exponentially when she saw the newcomer enter the building. Alastor could practically see the hearts circling her head, and no one was around. Perfect. “Nadine! How lovely to see you!” he smiled warmly as he walked up to the counter in front of the woman.

“A-Alastor,” she flushed nervously, barely able to make eye contact with the newcomer. “It’s al-always so nice to see you.”

“Thank you, Nadine!” he replied cheerily. “How have you been? I feel like it’s been an eternity since I’ve been able to stop by.”

“I-It’s been a c-couple weeks,” she replied meekly.

“You are shameless,” Lucifer’s voice came, and the darker-toned man forced himself not to waver and ignore him.

“I suppose that’s true,” Alastor smiled then. “It just seems longer, really. I wanted to ask you about those other two residential information sheets you offered me then- would they still be on the table?” he asked, looking down at her over his glasses.

Nadine’s face burned red. It was working.

“There are hookers who work it less than you are right now.”

Ignore. “Just to see the sheets, of course; I wouldn’t want to get you into any trouble.”

“Y-Yeah, it’s never been a problem before… Just a minute,” the woman managed with a soft smile, and left for a back room.

Alastor jerked his head to the left, where he’d heard the king’s voice come from, fury etched into his features.

“Whore,” Lucifer pointedly spoke despite the expression.

“I’m not sleeping with her,” the brunet hissed quietly.

“You’re implying you will,” came the swift return.

“Since when are you my actual conscience?!”

“Wow, you’re really taking this personally,” the paler man realized. “I was fucking with you.”

Alastor cracked his neck and returned his attention to the counter.

Nadine was back within a couple minutes with two sheets of paper and a notepad. Another person came in with a request for the woman shortly after, so Alastor pulled a page loose to scribble all vital information down on Harold Gray and Susan Cross, then gave Nadine a wave on his way out. She returned the gesture, looking a little sad at his departure.

Lucifer popped up again in the car. “I am sorry, truly, but that display was just too funny not to comment on.”

“I don’t often see you in the daytime,” Alastor replied dryly, pulling back out into the street. “To what do I owe the honor?”

“To find out when you have a few hours to kill, preferably at home.” A brown eyebrow arched. “Figuratively speaking.”

“After work usually, but there’s also Saturday- I was hoping to have a target picked by then.”

“Oh, is that what this is?” the blond asked, gaze now on the small pile of papers sitting between them.

“The top page. The rest is for work.”

“Ah. What are their rumored offences?”

“Harold may or may not kidnap people just to dissect them as they die; Susan’s three husbands have all died under mysterious circumstances.”

“Quite the range.”

“Mm. Susan’s house is coming up on the right.”

Lucifer looked out the window to see a large, three-story house and whistled low. “Woman’s done well.”

“She keeps marrying rich and is widowed less than a year later.”

“Interesting. And how do you plan to get proof of misdeeds?”

“I figured I could start by looking for signs of buried bodies in their yards.”

“Definitely an after-work activity,” the shorter man sagely spoke.

“Mm. Care you join me?”

“Sure! I hope one of them has a pet.”

Alastor started to laugh. “I suppose that’s as good a way as any to get things moving.”

“Sadly though, I should get back until then.”

“Skipping out on your duties, Your Highness?”

“If I don’t get back soon, yes.”

“Well, I’ll see you tonight.”

“It’s a date! Or, uh….”

“More or less, yes,” the brunet agreed with a smile. “We’ll have to make alternative plans for dancing.”

“Definitely! See you tonight,” the king spoke, and was gone again with a snap.

Another chuckle left the remaining man, and he continued to work.

&&

“Good morning, Mr. Legare!”

“It’s afternoon, Miss. Figg,” he good naturedly informed the woman who’s just appeared in his office.

“Oh. So it is,” she replied after glancing at a nearby clock. “I have told you to call me ‘Claire,’ haven’t I?”

“You have,” Alastor replied, sitting at his desk. He offered nothing else.

“Oh, I’ll get you one day.”

He scoffed. “You can certainly try.”

While he’d spoken similar words to other coworkers trying to get him on a first name basis, Claire caught on to the implication. “He told you, didn’t he?”

“That you’re an angel wasting her time? Yes.”

She sighed. “Of course he did.”

Alastor’s brow furrowed, not liking her implication. “It just came up; it’s not as if he was issuing a warning.”

“Came up?” Claire repeated. “By him?”

“I brought the subject up, actually. You made it clear you didn’t like him, and I was curious as to why.”

“He’s leading you astray, Alastor.”

He decided to let the first name go. For now. “If you know anything about me, you know I’ve ‘been astray’ for years now, and the two of us just met a few weeks ago.”

“You still have time, a chance to redeem yourself.”

“If that’s so, why are you just popping up now? Of have I just not been aware of you?”

The woman came into the room the rest of the way to sit across from him. Right where Lucifer had sat a few days earlier. “The latter,” she spoke quietly. “Every child has a Guardian.”

“It appears mine was lacking.”

“Yours made certain you survived your brush with death when you were fourteen.”

The brunet studied her earnest expression. There was no hint of dishonesty. “Are you saying that was a legitimate miracle?”

A soft smile. “It was.”

“So, this is you lot, what, protecting your investment?”

“Alastor-“

“We are not on a first name basis.”

A sigh now. “That’s not what this is, no. Your Guardian thought so highly of you, they fought for divine intervention- and won it. I was charged to find out if that was still the case.”

Brown eyes flicked out to the door. Gratefully, no one seemed to be noticing how long the woman was taking in his office. Not yet, anyway. “And the eleven murders didn’t tip you off to the negative?”

“Like I said, there’s still a chance to come back from that.”

“What I find interesting is that you keep saying ‘a chance.’ Say I did feel remorse for those murders. Apologized. Prayed, even. And by your own words, absolution may or may not come.”

Now, she looked uncomfortable. Good.

“Even if I was remorseful, that’s not enough for me. And if that means I’m damned, so be it.”

Tears were welling up in her bright blue eyes. He did feel like shit for making a woman cry, but the sooner she moved on to someone who actually wanted her help, the better for all involved. “I’d like it if this matter didn’t come up again.”

“I can’t promise that,” Claire spoke simply, and smoothly stood to leave the room.

&&

Alastor thought maybe Miss. Figg might condemn him to retrieve his own coffee, at least for the day, but maybe angels weren’t allowed to be petty. She returned shortly thereafter, mug in hand with coffee as black as a new moon night. Taking the high road, he supposed.

He’d thought that, if nothing else, Lucifer would gain some amusement for a recall of the encounter, but much to Alastor’s surprise, the king turned quiet at the taller man’s story. The brunet left out the part about a certain encounter when he was a teenager, but even without it, Lucifer was awfully pensive. “Did she say something that didn’t sit well with you?”

“Yes and no,” the blond replied as they walked along the sidewalk to Harold’s house. “I suppose I don’t want you feeling indebted to me, either. Guilt is a bitch to deal with.”

“Lucifer, like I told Claire, I make my own decisions. I always have. And I don’t take you for one who would leave an imbalance like that in any relationship. Unless, you know, you’re just being nice to me until I die so you can fuck with me for the rest of eternity.”

“I’m not, but I suppose there’s no way to prove that until the time comes.”

“At this point, I would be astonished if that prediction was correct, and I don’t surprise easy.”

Lucifer laughed. “I believe that.”

“It’s the next house; it seems Harold isn’t much of a night owl, so he’s probably asleep.”

“Oh, right, no, you don’t have to worry about him seeing either of us,” the king smiled. “I cloaked us both when we started out.”

Huh. That explained the lack of staring and people stopping them. “That is quite helpful- much appreciated.” He paused. “Would you like to watch me put my gloves on again?”

The companion laughed again, harder this time, then, “Are you offering to tease me?”

“You seem to enjoy it,” Alastor defended himself with an easy-going smile.

“…Yeah-I-really-do-yes-please,” was doe-eyes response.

The darker-toned man chuckled, taking the items from his small bag and pulling them on a touch more pointedly than usual. Admittedly, he did enjoy the blond’s gaze on himself, but… was that the same as attraction? Could it be?

In any case, the unabashed, goofy grin on the shorter man’s face was particularly adorable- Alastor even gave the paler forehead a tap.

Dual-colored eyes blinked themselves out of their haze. “So, uh, what’re we looking for again?”

“Signs of disturbed earth, initially,” the taller man replied. “But if he can’t see us, I’m inclined to search the house- should there be evidence to find, there will be much more there, I think.”

“Let’s check out here first, then we can talk about breaking and entering.”

“Oh, fine,” came the joking agreement.

“We’ll probably have more luck at the forest’s edge, right?”

“If he has a brain in his head, in the forest.”

“…That’s a lot of searching.” This guy was technically Alastor’s neighbor, even if they were almost five miles apart; the same forest lined the back of the brunet’s property.

“Hence why I wanted to just search the house, if possible.”

“…You keep making sense like this, and I’m gonna be in a lot of trouble.”

His companion laughed. “Noted.”

The back had a screen door and an inner door, Alastor taking a small kit from his bag to pick the lock. Watching those long fingers move so carefully should not have been as arousing as it was. ’It’s just a matter of time before he gets sick of my shit.’

The two slipped in as quietly as possible. There didn’t seem to be any animals, domesticated or otherwise- or anyone, really. The man was either asleep or out.

The place was by no means immaculate- there was dishes in the sink that were making the room smell, trash thrown about almost everywhere and not a single bare surface. Gross. “Think maybe he’s-?” Lucifer started to ask, but the taller man put a finger over his own lips. “He can’t hear me,” he reminded his friend.

‘But I can.’ Alastor mouthed the words, then listened at a nearby door. Whatever he heard, he didn’t seem to like it. Very, very slowly, the taller man opened the door.

Darkness and a short stairway leading to a dirt floor greeted them. Alastor began to move forward, but Lucifer touched a hand to his shoulder. “Let me go,” the king persisted at the indignant glare he received. “Just to make sure it’s clear- otherwise, why am I here?"

The brunet’s amused smirk spoke of at least one good comeback, but he stepped aside to let his companion down the stairs. He even held out a hand towards the door with a bow.

Lucifer flipped him off and headed down to the basement.

The scene was horrifying.

Two wooden tables held all sorts of implements- some clean, others… bloody. This space wasn’t clean, either, dust and cobwebs and… sniffling.

Shit.

There was a girl. Charlotte’s age. Her guardian sat right next to her, mournful one second, then bright with fury at the sight of the newcomer. “What could you possibly want here?!” he snarled. “Working on ways to make the situation worse?!”

Lucifer ignored the taunt to call up the stairs, “Hey, Al, there’s a little girl down here."

The taller man was instantly down the stairs with him, his won expression ashen at the scene. Once he saw the girl, though, he went for the cage to work the lock.

“Trying to gain points with Heaven, then?” the Guardian continued to drawl.

Dual-colored eyes barely spared him a glance before returning his attention to Alastor and the girl. He’d gotten the door open, but the occupant seemed to be having trouble believing he was there to help her. “He just wants to get her home.”

“He’s with you.”

A sigh. “I have to do everything myself,” the king spoke, and a flick of his wrist sent the Guardian miles away, just for a minute. Lucifer then sat next to the girl to speak, “It’s all right; he’ll help you get back to your family. He hates people like this.”

She was chewing on her lower lip, but looking at the brunet again.

“You don’t have to fear him, honest.”

The words got through, and she let Alastor take her hand and gently pull her from the small cage. Gratefully, he had carried her out of the house before the Guardian was able to return.

“Don’t. You. Dare,” Lucifer snarled to him. “Just tell us where she lives, and I’ll get her home.”

“Why would you do that?”

“To get her home.

“Gaining points with Heaven?” the angel tried again.

“Night out with a friend.”

“Who reeks of death.”

“Alastor doesn’t kill innocents.”

The angel’s jaw was set. “Leave her close to the road; I’ll ensure she gets home.”

He was going to make sure a car passed at this time of night, but that could be a long wait. “Isn’t there a tone of paperwork for messing with the activities of mortals?"

“I can handle it.”

Alastor was already walking towards the road, and the Guardian kept in step. Lucifer kept close as well. Gratefully, the road wasn’t far- Harold kept his house hidden with a long row of tall bushes.

“What’s your name?” the child softly asked.

“I’m Alastor, Dear.”

“I’m glad you were here, Alastor Dear.”

The brunet chuckled. “My name is Alastor, but I was calling you a dear.”

“But I’m Adeline.”

“So you are. That’s just something nice to call someone. I learned it from my mother.”

“Oh. I bet she’s super nice, then.”

“That she is,” Alastor replied, clearing the bushes, then looking at the king expectantly.

“Now what?” Lucifer asked the angel.

“Another will drive up- she just needs to catch his attention.”

“Fuck that; she’s had a shit night already,” the blond deadpanned with a snap, and the girl seemed to pass out. “There. Take her back to her house- unless you need me to do that, too."

The angel made a face, but gently took the child from the brunet. “Wow, are angels allowed to give stink eye?” it seemed he couldn’t help asking.
The question earned him only another glare, then both he and his charge were gone.

“…Were you able to tell if the piece of shit was in the house?”

The question caught the shorter man by surprise. It was a second or two before he realized his friend meant the child’s captor. “Um, no, I didn’t, but gimme a sec and I’ll go back and check.” Without waiting for a response, he opened a portal back to the house and carefully made his way upstairs. Their quarry was in bed, sound asleep and perfectly calm.

Understandably, Alastor was not happy to hear this. His teeth ground a moment before venturing, “I don’t usually like to rush into these things, but-“

“I am here for all your transportation needs,” the shorter man grinned broadly.

“Perfect,” was the reply, dark eyes already lighting up in sadistic glee. “Let’s go back to my house, then; I’m not certain there’s enough time tonight, but definitely tomorrow.”

A portal was opened to the way back, but the king also voiced, “He’s gonna be pissed when he finds Adeline gone.”

“I know.” The tone was lined with irritation, but clear irritation with the fact, not the man speaking it.

“I could just magic everything into place…”

A darker-toned eyebrow arched. “You’re awfully helpful tonight,” came the chuckle before stepping through and into his own barn.

“For her, if it helps. Delaying could put her in further danger, and I’m sure neither of us wants that.”

“Too true,” Alastor agreed, checking his watch. After a moment, his gaze met his companion’s again. “All right. But the next time we get together, I’m making dinner.”

“I look forward to it,” the king replied, then snapped, and the barn was set up as well as he could remember it for a kill. “Did I get everything right?”

Dark eyes gazed around the space, looking impressed. “Very close, especially for only seeing it once, and almost two months ago,” he replied, moving some of the tools on the side table to a different order. “Are you ‘snapping’ in Harold as well?”

“As soon as you’re ready for him."

“Staying for the show?”

“Unless it would bother you.”

“Not particularly, but I’m not much of an entertainer.”

“Disagree.”

Whatever it was that shone in his own eyes then, the taller man must’ve really liked himself, as a real, true smile spread on his face. “All right, then. Show our guest in.”

Snap.

Harold, still snoozing away, appeared in the chair. Alastor had him strapped to it before the newcomer became fully aware of his situation. “What the fuck?!? How the- You?!?” he snarled at the brunet, now smiling serenely at his own handiwork. “How the fuck did your scrawny ass get me here without waking me up?!? Where are we?!? What the fuck is going on?!?”

Lucifer had also summoned himself a chair and sat down to enjoy the show. Popcorn seemed overkill.

Alastor, for his part, was still the picture of absolute serenity and calm as he as he gazed at his captive, leaning back against the small but tall table that held his tools while he answered, “You’re assuming I did, a vacant barn, and I’m about to enjoy myself immensely.” He’d even counted off each response on a gloved finger. Rawr.

“Enjoy yourself?!?” Harold spat. “Fuck you, Asshole! You better not stick your dick anywhere near me!!”

“Rest assured, Harold- all pants are staying on.”

“Th-Then what the hell is happening?!?”

Not taking his gaze from the bound man, Alastor reached behind himself to pick up a long antler with a gradual curve, about half an arm’s length. His gloved fingers ran over the sharpened tip with a reverent touch. Lucifer crossed one leg over the other, hoping his arousal wasn’t showing. “We’re going to play a little game.”

“A game?!? The fuck?!?”

“You like dissection, don’t you?”

Finally, Harold froze, the full gravity of the situation sinking in. “N-No.”

“You do, though. I saw your basement, don’t lie now,” the brunet warned, still smiling, his wrist flicking to scratch the bound man’s arm with the weapon.

“Please don’t. Please,” he tried again.

“Goodness, where did all that anger from earlier go? If you go right to begging, this won’t be much of a show at all.”

“Sh-Show?” the captive repeated, beginning to warily look around. His jaw slackened when he saw the blond sitting a few feet away.
Lucifer gave a dainty wave.

“The fuck?” The man’s voice was thick with confusion before he challenged, “Is this how you sick fucks get off or something?!?”

“Ugh, always back to sex. How trite.”

The king declined comment on his own situation, but did ask his friend, “Might I pose a question?”

“Please.”

The blond turned his attention back to Harold. “Do you garner some sort of sexual satisfaction from cutting up conscious people?” It would explain when he kept accusing Alastor of the same.

“I don’t!”

“It’s just fun, then?”

“No, I- I don’t do that!”

“Well, as stated earlier, that’s an interesting statement to make, given your basement- not to mention that poor child you had caged up.”

“I wasn’t going to hurt her!” came the objection, then a hiss left him when Alastor nicked him twice more.

“For lying,” the brunet clarified to the glare.

The cuts being made were small but must’ve been deep- the blood flowed freely down the captive’s arms to start to pool on the floor.

“I’m not lying! She ran away; I was giving her a place to stay until she came around!”

“Came around to what?” Alastor’s dark tone asked. “Hoping to find an assistant in the girl?”

“Why not? You clearly did.”

The sneer earned him an antler embedded in the shoulder, twisted, then pulled back out. Blood poured from the wound. The darker-toned man picked up a smaller, straighter one- but no less sharp. “I hope you don’t mind, Lucifer, but I’ve never much cared about motive, and these inane yappings are giving me a migraine.”

“Oh, of course- don’t let me keep you. If I want to ask him anything else, I’m sure I’ll be able to find him.”

“Lovely.” Without further ado, and through the bound man’s struggles and protests, Alastor thrust the smaller antler through the other’s chest in a single thrust just to smoothly pull back again before the blood began spilling even more fervently than before.

The look on his face was so focused, so sure, so pleased with himself, Lucifer nearly came right then, his traitorous mind singing of riding the taller man in the newly shed blood.

Alastor wasn’t licking his weapon this time. He seemed mesmerized by the blood draining the corpse, his own dark eyes gleaming.

For a long while, neither of them spoke.

“It… gets messy from here,” Alastor finally voiced, gaze still on the bled-out body. “You may want to take your leave, Your Highness.”

He even sounded a little dazed- a far cry from the enjoyment witnessed prior. “I haven’t overstepped, have I?”

The brunet head jerked to him, brow marred in confusion and, maybe, alarm. “No. I only wanted to give you a warning- you’re still welcome to stay if you would like.”

“I only meant… never mind. I think I will go now.”

“No.” The tone was stern, but not harsh. He was still confused. “What’s wrong?”

Lucifer opened his mouth to make an excuse, then changed his mind. Straight to the point- Al would appreciate that. “You’re… different this time, and I- I really hope it’s not my fault."

The taller man’s confusion turned bemused, then he started to laugh. Warmly, even. “It’s just been a long night, Lucifer. A good night, but a long one, and I still have a workout ahead.”

“Oh. I could just…” the king trailed, holding up a hand as if to snap.

“Appreciated, but I won’t let you do that.”

Pride in his work, no doubt.

“But you don’t have to go- I wouldn’t mind your company.”

The shorter man perked. “All right.”

“Although… there is actually something you can do that will make all this go faster.”

“What?”

“Keep an eye out from random blood splatters? It takes me over an hour to be sure this place is spotless.”

“Sure!” was the tiny-bit-too-eager reply. He heard it the second the word was out of his mouth, and it was confirmed by his companion’s amused grin.

Gratefully, it didn’t look like he was going to be teased about it, the taller man moving to loosen the corpse’s bindings, and Lucifer started looking for blood.

&&

Between the two of them, getting Harold’s body disposed of and the barn clean only took a few hours. The king had a morbid fascination moment while Alastor was sawing up the body (it seemed there were no plans to keep the meat this time), the pieces loaded into a plastic-lined wagon and hauled to the very back (and very wooded) end of the property.

Once looking for it, Lucifer could see a few mounds in the area that looked similar to their finished product. “How nice of you to bring me to where you bury the bodies,” Lucifer spoke cheerily.

Alastor, half-covered in filth, snorted. “Sometimes I worry it’s too close to the house, but… I keep up an exemplary façade. I’ll be fine. Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m exhausted.”

The blond snapped. “But now you’re clean.”

“So I am,” the taller man smiled. “Now I can go right to bed.”

“Don’t forget to set your alarm,” came the tease, summoning a portal back to his own house.

“Ha. Ha,” was the drawled return. “Have a good night, Lucifer.”

“You too, Al.”

&&
&&

People noticed Harold was missing, of course, but, as with most of Alastor’s targets, no one seemed to much care. Still, for his own safety’s sake, the brunet waited at least a month before even seeking out a new target. If nothing else, there were plenty of others things for him to attend to.

Currently, he was attempting fend off his mother’s latest guilt trip.

“Alastor Anthony Legare, don’t you dare take that tone with me!”

“There was no tone, Mother,” Alastor sighed into the phone. “You know family gatherings aren’t my strong suit.”

“And how do we remedy that?”

Another sigh.

“Alastor.”

“By doing it more often,” he reluctantly recited. “But just the same, if I have plans-“

“We both know the only plans you make for Sunday afternoons are to visit me,” the woman deadpanned, and she wasn’t wrong. “How about this: You don’t have to come with everyone to church, I’ll make an excuse for you there, just come to lunch afterward.”

That was a generous offer. “Fine,” he begrudgingly agreed.

“There, was that so hard?” came the light-hearted jab. “And don’t be afraid to bring someone with you,” she teased.

“Bring someone?” he repeated, pencil drumming against the wall. “Like who? Why?”

“Well, I’m guessing the main reason you don’t want to come is because well-meaning Maya keeps trying to pair you off with her friends, and she is bringing another.”

The drumming stopped. All his aunts were a pain in the ass about his marital status, but Maya was by far the worst. “I’m not seeing anyone, though,” he stated.

“Eh, bring a friend- just the implication will get her to back off, at least for the afternoon.”

“I suppose…”

“At least think about it, okay, Dear? And either way, I’ll see you at one on Sunday.”

A deeply irritated, but still resigned, sigh left the man. “Yes, Mother.”

“I love you.”

“I know. I love you, too.” The dial tone sounded, and Alastor hung up the phone. “I’m not that close to anyone,” he mumbled to himself, walking back to the couch and the paperwork laid out on the coffee table. “If Mimzy wasn’t a sociopath I’d consider asking her, but- Huh,” he realized just as he sat back down. “Lucifer might. He- Right. ‘He’ is a problem, especially with Aunt Maya.” Although, Lucifer’s body type was pretty androgynous. Hair brushed down and a little make up- “No,” Alastor scolded himself. “Who’s to say he’d even want to? He could get insulted just from being asked.”

Still, that didn’t seem very much like the shorter man’s personality. It was much more likely he’d find the whole thing hilarious.

After a pause, the brunet dug the phone he’d been given out from underneath the mess of papers. He’d used it sparingly, as asked, and gratefully, it was fairly intuitive. Only two names to choose from, and after that, the option to either call or message.

He opted for message.

A little keyboard popped up under the man’s name, and although it took a few infuriating attempts, he managed a coherent query.

‘I’d like to ask you a question.’

It was a moment, then:

‘Your questions are coming with warnings now? Nice.’

Smartass. ‘No, but it seemed appropriate for this one.’

‘Color me intrigued.’

It took much longer than he would have liked, but Alastor typed out the situation and asked how Lucifer would feel about the developing plan.

‘That sounds fun! Why would I be offended? And I’ll have you know I do make a very cute girl; this Maya won’t know what hit her.’

He started to laugh himself. Of course. Of course, of course, of course. “Why was I even worried?” he chuckled to himself.

Lucifer seemed to barely understand how gender worked here, and had insinuated he could form himself as he liked- of course all he saw was a game.

“Well, then. Let’s play."

Chapter Text

If I could only find a note to make you understand
I’d sing it softly in your ear and grab you by the hand
Just keep it stuck inside your head, like your favorite tune
And know my hearts a stereo that only plays for you

&&
&&

Lucifer had been in his workshop, staring at his phone for almost an hour. There was a call he needed to make, a question he borderline needed to ask, but he was also relatively sure of the answer he would get. Still, he was going to ask. He just had to prepare himself, go over every way he could think of this conversation going.
Although, knowing Raphy, the archangel would go off script. He had no knowledge of the script, but that was no excuse.

Finally, an impulse hit him to grab the phone, hit the number under the selected profile, and it started to ring.

And ring.

He was almost surprised when there was an answer. “Hey, Luci.”

“Quick question.”

A chuckle. “I doubt that but go ahead.”

“Remember when I was kicked out of Heaven, and you did jack shit despite how close we were?”

“What’s ‘jack shit’?”

“Nothing. You did nothing, Raphael, save for swearing you would somehow ‘make it up to me.’ I’ve often thought that could never be possible.”

“You’re bringing it up now, so I assume that’s changed.”

“It’s a good start, if nothing else.” His heart was pounding in his ears; the two of them barely spoke now, but so far, this seemed to be going well. Raphael was not going to like his request. “I need you to look up a soul in the Book.”

“The Book?!? You can’t be serious!”

“And yet, here we are.”

“Lucifer, I can’t do that- even for you.”

“What, you’re gonna make me come up there and do it myself?” Question asked, tension eased, even if this was still going to take some persuasion.

“You’re not funny.”

“Who’s joking?”

A long sigh sounded on the other end of the line. “Michael would really be better to ask for this.”

“You breathe a word of this to Michael, and I will come up there.”

“It’s that important?”

And so much more. “Yes.”

“…What’s the name?”

Yes! The king jumped up from his chair to pace off the sudden burst of energy. “Alastor Legare, United States, Louisiana. I don’t know his middle name, but I think that’s enough to find him.”

“Should be. I make no promises, Lucifer, but I’ll do what I can.”

“Thank you, Raphy.”

“Why this soul, though? Is he a new arrival of yours?”

“Not… yet.”

“He’s still alive? How do you even know of him?”

“It’s… kind of a long story.”

“I have time. And considering what you’re asking of me, I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”

“I’m asking you beca-“

“Because you thought you’d have the best shot with me.” Fuck. All in all, the archangel was right. “Who is this soul to you?”

“A companion. I daresay a friend.”

“…You want to know his odds for landing in Heaven, don’t you?”

“No. He’s an unrepentant serial killer- I already know those odds. Sometimes… sometimes They make souls with specific purposes in mind. I want to know if that was so with Al. And if so, what that purpose was.”

“…All right. I’ll call within a couple days with an update, if nothing else.”

“Thank you, Raphy.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

&&
&&

Alastor took a deep breath, attempting to calm his rampaging nerves. He saw Lucifer all the time- it was that Lilith had never come with him before. The two of them hadn’t even spoke since that night at the club. Alastor had assumed that she hadn’t thought much of himself, and maybe she didn’t, but it must be obvious by now just how much her husband did think of himself, and she did seem to care about her king.

It made sense, whether out of affection or not. The two of them being stable surely made for a stable kingdom. It was entirely possible that was the only reason Lilith was having anything to do with him at all. And that was fine- as long as he met her expectations. If he could at least be on civil to friendly terms with the queen, that was a win. It did make sense that he was so nervous, but he really didn’t have to like it.

The house was normally kept clean, but he’d still spent the past two hours double- and triple checking that everything was in the state he thought it was. No surprises.

All that was left was to put on a record, and while he didn’t know anything about Lilith’s music tastes, he knew plenty about Lucifer’s. It would have to suffice.

Alastor forced himself to take a few more breaths to calm himself the fuck down. Being a panicky mess would help nothing.

And just in time. No sooner had his heart rate lowered than it picked up again at the sound of Lucifer’s portal.

Lilith came through first, still a picture of poise and grace. She carried herself so well. Lucifer jumped through directly after, grinning widely. He didn’t have his wings out yet. Disappointing, but understandable. “Hi, Al!”

Alastor smiled at the two. One could say they looked mismatched, but then, how did they work so well together? Someone less secure might be in danger of feeling jealous. “Right on time.”

“Haha! As if Lily would let us run late.” That did seem unlikely. “So, do we want to get right to it, or…?”

“That would make the most sense,” the queen voiced. “While we do have time, it’s not unlimited.”

“Fair enough.” All the paler man was wearing for a shirt was a button-down with a middle button done, which now joined the rest, and he shrugged it off to lay the garment neatly over the couch’s armrest, then hopped up on the couch to kneel against the back of it, arms folded over the top.

Alastor took note of six red slashes in the man’s back from which his wings unfurled, just as majestic as they always were.

“Me and Charlotte got the front earlier, so it’s just the backs of them that still need attention.”

“A side each?” Lilith proposed, and Alastor gave a nod in agreement. “Luci said he showed you basically what to do, but would you mind if I showed you?”

Lucifer had shown him, but admittedly, he’d been exhausted, and in any case, he wasn’t going to turn down a refresher, especially from the queen. “From what I hear, there’s none better to learn from.”

Lilith did offer him a smile, and wordlessly showed him how to deal with the itchy feathers. It was similar to what he’d already been shown, but Lilith also had a bit of oil on her fingers that seemed to ease the process which she offered him, and he accepted.

They worked wordlessly for a long while, and it was abundantly apparent how much more at ease the woman was- she was done one wing and halfway through another by the time he was finishing up his first. He couldn’t help a chuckle when he saw Lucifer had nodded off.

“Nice to see him so calm, isn’t it?” Lilith softly spoke.

“A rarity,” Alastor agreed. “This is a tedious thing, but not a boring thing.”

“I’ve always thought so,” she voiced good-naturedly. “And Alastor, I do want you to know I don’t hate you. Your sense of morality is a little worrying, I suppose, but you yourself are not an unkind man.”

“I see,” he replied. “Thank you for that.”

“Luci is clearly quite taken with you so I’m certain you’ll see much more of him in the future.”

“I look forward to it.” He’d just finished the lowest wing, and gently moved it to rest on the floor rather than his lap.

“I’m certain you do.”

Alastor wasn’t sure if he was imagining an edge to the woman’s tone. “I apologize if I’m speaking out of turn, but would you prefer me to keep my distance from him?”

Lilith’s surprise was muted, but it was still present in her eyes. “I would never want to deny Lucifer happiness, Alastor, but you two do not know each other well, and much remains to be seen.”

“I hope you don’t think I just saw an opportunity get on the king of Hell’s good side and took it.”

“…I won’t deny it’s crossed my mind. Despite all he’s been through, Lucifer can still be alarmingly gullible at times.”

“I suppose there’s only one way to prove the theory false,” Alastor stated, leafing through feathers again.

“Now that’s something I’m looking forward to.” The amusement in her tone was clear. He was pushing it, but not in a way that wasn’t angering her. Good.

Other than to poke some fun at Lucifer’s random snores, not much else was said between them until they were done. Lilith (unsurprisingly) finished her side first, the two finishing the top wing on the mortal’s side together.

Lucifer was still out cold.

Alastor had yet to get up off the floor, stretching his back, when he noticed that the queen had started to look around. He didn’t much mind- except that her attention seemed to be taken by the shelf over the piano. He’d briefly seen Lucifer observing it as well, his first visit here, but he hadn’t asked about it then or since then, and it looked like she might. He stood and cracked his neck.

“May I ask about this?” the queen did question then, her cerulean gaze still on the shelf.

He gave a small sound of agreement, keeping to himself that it depended on what she wanted to ask.

“I was just wondering whose likeness is drawn?”

Oh. From her, that was fine. “My mother’s mother.”

“You two were close?”

Still fine. “Mother brought us to her house whenever my father drank. She welcomed us, but I think part of her worried I’d end up just like him. Still, she gave us sanctuary from the storm, so to speak.”

“I see. Thank you for sharing that with me.”

He gave a polite nod, unsure how else to reply.

“Well, if it’s all right with you, I think I’ll take my leave for now. Luci can certainly finish his nap,” she chuckled, affectionate gaze on her husband.

And Alastor saw a potential problem. While Lucifer clearly still thought fondly of Lilith, he was no longer in love with her. Lilith was still very much in love with Lucifer.

Fuck.

“I hope it isn’t an issue for him to stay.”

“Oh, no, not at all. I’d planned on spending the day at home anyhow.”

“The look on your face just now said otherwise.”

And he’d let his guard down. Terrible. “That had nothing to do with Lucifer getting some rest,” the brunet replied, salty with himself for the transparency.

“Then what?”

Lilith would absolutely see through a lie. Even if the truth upset her, it wasn’t worth the risk. “If I’m being presumptuous, I apologize, but are you still in love with Lucifer?”

This surprise was less muted, but it still stayed in her otherwise clear gaze. “I know the feeling is no longer mutual, Alastor; there’s nothing to be concerned over.”

He started to say that he hadn’t mentioned being concerned, but playing word games with the queen of Hell also seemed unwise. Although, it was true enough that… “Forgive me, but the majority of my concern was for you, Lilith.” Lucifer would be okay, Alastor would be okay, but Lilith? He didn’t know enough to say.

She smiled softly. “I’m a big girl, Alastor; you don’t have to worry about me. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon,” she stated simply, and walked back through Lucifer’s portal.

Curiosity had the man looking through it himself. The room on the other side had rust-colored tones, but it was difficult to make out much more than that.

“Trying to get a sneak peek?” a coy tone behind him asked. Lucifer was awake, because of course he was.

“No more malicious than pretending to be asleep, I think,” was the good-natured reply.

The blond chuckled, folding his wings away to sit properly. Aw. “You two talking woke me up, so if anything, you should be apologizing.”

“Just me? Conversations take at least two people, you know,” the taller man shot back with a grin, taking a seat next to him. “And it’s not as if I can see much through that portal anyway. Are you joining Lilith?”

“After that little interlude, I think we should keep our distance for a bit.”

“…Please tell me you noticed before now.”

“I, um, was hoping I was overanalyzing.” A sigh. “All in all though, this seemed to go well.”

“Agreed. How often does this happen?”

“Every fifty years or so.”

“…Ah.”

Lucifer started to laugh. “You sound disappointed! Like them that much, do you?”

“I suppose I do,” the darker-toned man admitted through gritted teeth.

With another light chuckle, the blond stood to unfurl his pristine wings again- and to Alastor’s horror, plucked two perfect feathers, one of each color. Before he could protest the action, they were held out to him.

“You… didn’t have to do that,” he spoke, attempting to smother embarrassment, but embarrassment of what, he wasn’t sure.

“I know. I still did. Are you going to accept them?”

“Of course I am,” was the sharp retort, gingerly taking the feather into his own hands. How could he not? It was clearly a gift to be cherished.

“You might find them to be lucky.”

“…There’s more to this gift than you’re saying, isn’t there?”

Lucifer gave a playful shrug. “Who can say?” he replied. “Are you hungry? You two were at that almost four hours- dinner is the least I can do.”

Alastor snorted, deciding to let the subject change go. “The very least, Your Highness.”

“Any requests?”

&&
&&

A couple nights later, Alastor couldn’t sleep.

While not exactly a stranger to insomnia, the reason for tonight’s episode was an abrupt feeling that absolutely would not shut the fuck up.

He felt warm. Very warm. In a very specific part of his body. A part he normally ignored, and that part seemed fine with the sentiment, so what was the fucking problem tonight? This was beyond frustrating, because as he’d told Lucifer-

’You don’t need to think about anything specific; just see what feels good and go with it.’

…Was it really so simple?

Making a face, Alastor moved his right hand to reach under the band of his pajama pants. Feeling foolish, he started with just letting the appendage rest between his legs. It wasn’t… unpleasant. Experimentally, he started to move his fingers over the soft flesh, horrified when a light moan escaped his lips- to the point his other hand clapped over his mouth.

Calming, he continued like that for a time, just smoothly running his fingers through dark curls. It started feeling… nice, a pleasant buzz beginning to thrum through his body.

He still wasn’t doing anything more than kneading the soft mound, but as the touches became more urgent, suddenly felt his middle finger slide along a lot more easily than it had been. Breathing laboring, he pushed into the wet folds of skin.

“Shiiit,” he moaned, the digit slipping in as far as he could reach before pulling it back to do it again.

’And if one finger feels that good…’ He added another, a pleased noise leaving him while bucking into his hand. It felt good, so good, but where…? An almost pained cry left him when he grazed his clit, too far along to care how he sounded while alone.

His imagination actually joined in, thinking of the digits as shorter, darker… clawed. Surely Lucifer knew how to avoid injury with those hands, working them inside himself so thoroughly that-

Alastor came silently, fluid spilling from him to puddle on the mattress. He immediately turned on his side, coughing and gasping for air.

“Fuck,” came the pant, and still breathing hard, pulled his hand back up. It was wet and smelled weird. “And now I’m a mess.”

But… Lucifer had been right.

“And I can never tell him,” Alastor vowed, but even as he did, knew it was likely to happen. All his life, the brunet had been gifted at keeping people at an arm’s length, but ever since meeting the king, all that practice had vanished. The paler man had weaseled his way into his own life so effortlessly… Was that because of who- or what- he was?

“In any case, I need to clean myself up,” Alastor muttered to himself then, and pushed himself up. He could sleep on the couch, and ideally, the bed would be dry by morning… “Where’s a ‘snap’ when I need one?” he sighed, then got up.

Hopefully though, he’d at least be able to sleep now.

&&
&&

My heart’s a stereo
It beats for you, so listen close
Hear my thoughts in every note
Make me your radio
And turn me up when you feel low
This melody was meant for you
Just sing along to my stereo

&&
&&

Lucifer was starting to wake, so he was more aware than usual of his daughter climbing up on the bed to wake him for the day. He still acted asleep, and when the girl started jumpin on the bed, he rolled over with a laugh. “Good morning, Char-Char.”

“Morning! You’re going to see Alastor today, right?” she asked, bouncing down to sit on the soft blankets. “Can I come?”

Lucifer blinked, forcing his foggy mind to work. “Aren’t you and Mommy going to Harper’s house?”

“His daddy cancelled, and I wanna meet Alastor too.”

’That would give Lily some time to herself, too,’ he realized, and the woman had cleared the two of them meeting. “Either way, you’re overdue to get dressed, little lady,” he grinned, tickling her a little and making her giggle. “You go do that, and I’ll call Al and see if it’s okay to bring another person.”

“Okay!” she agreed cheerily, and ran off, clearly not seeing how bringing along another last minute could ever be a problem.

Lucifer missed naivety.

Dearly.

“Phone… phone…” he muttered to himself now, looking around the area. Charging on the nightstand. Perfect.

It was a few rings before Alastor answered. “Lucifer?”

“Expecting someone else?”

“…I’m hanging up.”

The blond laughed. “Listen, about today- do you think it’d be okay if I brought Charlotte along? I’d disguise her too, of course, and she really wants to see you, but I can totally-“

“Lucifer.”

“Yeah?”

“As long as she doesn’t mention anything about you two being Hell’s royalty, that’s fine. Mother will love to meet her, and my cousins have plenty of kids for her to play with.”

“Perfect! Noon still good?”

“Mm-hm. I’ll see you both then.”

“Okay. Bye.”

“Bye,” the humored tone replied, and hung up.

Lucifer got up, stretched, and dressed into a shirt and slacks to have breakfast with his family.

&&

Charlotte wanted to get dressed with him, especially once finding out ‘Daddy’ was going to be ‘Momma’ for the day, saying they needed to match. “Mommy and me match when we got out all the time!” was her only declared logic.

It was a whim he couldn’t refuse.

He settled on a light, red knee-length dress with a white wrap and gold snake bracelet around his right wrist, and Charlotte’s dress was the same style, same color with an off-center bow at the collar. Both wore their hair down, pulled back with a white headband.

“Mommy! Aren’t we pretty!” the princess declared when they were finished.

“Beautiful, Darling!” the woman smiled. “You’re going to be on your best behavior today, right?”

“Of course, Mommy!”

Lilith turned her attention to Lucifer. “And you’re going to be on your best behavior today, right?”

“Of course, Mommy,” he drawled in mimicry of their daughter. “Enjoy your day off.”

“Oh, I will, but I do look forward to hearing all about it when you get back. Have fun.”

“Daddy! I mean, Momma! Portal!”

With a chuckle, he obliged her. “See you tonight,” he managed to tell his wife before his daughter dragged him through.

They’d landed in Alastor’s living room, and for a second, Lucifer thought he had the wrong house. But then, he’d never seen Alastor with his hair slicked back before. Always brushed and tidy, yes, but that was not a look for everyone.

“What did you do to your hair?” Lucifer asked. Dark eyes turned to him and blinked, seemingly in awe. “Yes, I’m cute no matter what form I’m in,” the king preened. “Hair. What happened?”

“I combed it,” the taller man replied slowly, as if talking to someone even younger than Charlotte.

“Why is it all slicked back? That’s a terrible look for you.”

“Gee, thanks Hon, you too.”

“You know what I mean.”

“I do? What a relief.” The princess was giggling. “But you, Charlotte, are the very picture of adorable. I did not think such cuteness possible.”

She gave him a little curtsy, then told him, “I like your suit, but Momma’s right about your hair.”

His head hung.

“Sorry for messing with your self-confidence,” the shorter adult spoke. “But on behalf of us all, please let me fix that- there’s no way you like it, either.”

The brunet snorted in humor, then gave a nod.

Snap.

“There. I know I feel better.”

Dark eyes rolled, then turned his attention to the girl. “Your darling father explained what’s happening today?”

“Daddy is Momma today, cause he’s a girl today, and we’re gonna meet your family! And… there was another thing… Right! That we’re from Hell is a secret, but I already knew that much myself.”

“Perfect. Shall we, Charlotte? Oh right, I suppose you want to come too… Lucy?”

“Come up with that all by yourself?” the king drawled.

“Bite me, Lucifer,” Alastor grumbled, opening the door for the two.

“Mark the spot, Big Boy.”

“Lucifer!”

&&
&&

Aside from a few giggle fits from the royals, the short ride to Missy Legare’s home was uneventful- until they arrived. Aside from how he felt about his parents, Alastor hadn’t talked too much about his family, so Lucifer hadn’t been sure what to expect. The most likely scenario seemed to be a house and yard like Alastor’s, probably overrun with cars and visitors.

He was wrong.

Missy’s house was a straight-up, full-fledged mansion; about five stories and surrounded by pristine gardens and scenery. “The fuck?!” Lucifer couldn’t help cussing.

“Wow, there really isn’t a subtle bone in your body, is there?” the darker-toned man snickered.

“It’s so pretty!” Charlotte exclaimed, glued to the car’s window.

“I’m glad you think so, Princess,” the brunet smiled, then to the other adult asked, “Were you expecting a poverty-ridden home?”

“Well, no, but this… This!” Lucifer exclaimed, gesturing wildly. “You don’t just spring shit like this on people!”

“Why not? It’s hilarious.”

“Alastor!”

The driver continued to laugh all the way up the driveway, but once he’d parked, explained, “My father’s soul redeeming feature was a wonderful life insurance plan which my mother invested well, and things blossomed further from there. She also bought the plot of land I live on and built that house for me when I came of age.”

“…Huh. I really cannot wait to meet this woman.”

“I’m… looking forward to that myself.”

Lucifer softly smiled at the declaration, but knew better than to voice the butterflies in his stomach, instead asking, “Well, aren’t you going to open our door for us, Sir?”

“Just making sure you were satisfied before getting out,” he replied, and as he did so, Lucifer bit down on his lower lip so he didn’t make an innuendo.

Alastor let Charlotte out first, probably just to be a jerk, then his passenger. “Surprised there’s no valet.”

“Oh, stop.”

Lucifer and Charlotte followed Alastor through a lavish entry way the girl marveled further over to a large sitting room where many were already present. A tall, thin, light-skinned woman with dark brown hair and a kind smile noticed their appearance brightly.

“Alastor!” she greeted him, wrapping him in a tight hug he returned with a small smile of his own. “Oh, and you two much be Lucy and Charlotte; how lovely to meet you both!”

Her smile was forced, and the king couldn’t blame her- they had met before. Shit. He was stringing things together that he really should have strung together weeks ago.

“Most of the children are in the next room so they don’t have to deal with us stuffy adults- would you like to join them, Dear?”

The girl looked to her parent, who gave a nod. “Sure! Which room?”

“Just across the hall.”

She ran off.

“Oh, I didn’t even introduce myself!” the woman laughed then. “Missy Legare; a pleasure,” she spoke kindly, holding out a hand to the blond.

The gesture was reciprocated. “A pleasure indeed, ‘Mam.”

“Oh, no! Don’t you ‘Mam me! Missy, please. Now, let me introduce you around.”

Introduce she did, and it didn’t go unnoticed that Alastor was the only one present with any color to his skin tone, meaning it had come from his father’s side. It had to suck getting that kind of reminder every time you looked in the mirror.

Missy herself had three siblings, all married, and between them, Alastor had six cousins. From the sounds of things, there was at least almost twice that playing with Charlotte across the hall.

Were mortals usually procreating this much? It made sense, the king supposed, continuing your line and all that, and their lives were so short…

“And what corner did he pick you up on?”

Lucifer was snapped out of his thoughts by a stern-looking woman he now knew to be Maya, joined by her friend Sophie. Someone she’d brought just to meet Alastor, apparently, who had just excused himself to the bathroom. So, the fighting was starting behind his back? Two could play that game, Darling. “Excuse me?”

“Please,” Maya sneered again. “Alastor hasn’t so much as had a crush in his life, but suddenly he’s so close to you that he brought you here? Don’t insult me; he’s never even mentioned you.”

“If you speak to him with that much hostility, I can see why.”

Maya had the gall to look offended, and Sophie with her. “A common whore has no right to lecture me on how I speak to my nephew!”

“What does that have to do with me?” It could be difficult to see with camouflaged eyes, but this woman was so prideful he didn’t have to consciously look for it.

“Fine, deny it all you like, but we all know the truth.”

“Oh, it’s the truth you’re interested in?” Lucifer smiled then.

“It’s all anyone wants, isn’t it? So just be honest,” came the challenge.

“I can do that- can you?”

“Pardon?” came the drawl now.

“You’re saying Alastor has never mentioned me, but did it even flicker in your mind that maybe you’re just that unpleasant to speak to that he just doesn’t want to?”

“I never!”

“Clearly.”

“Excuse me, Ladies,” Alastor’s Ultra-Fake Polite Voice ™ came. Lucifer had only heard the forced tone a couple times, but he knew it when he heard it. “I’m sure this is a lovely conversation, but I’m going to go ahead and steal Lucy.”

“You and your whore can do as you like,” Maya’s low tone told him. “I’m certain you do anyway.”

Alastor had gone still. Lucifer swore he felt the very air in the room change to something colder and violent. But before his companion could turn and retort, there was Missy. “Alastor!” the woman smiled, steering her seething son from the two smirking women. “Randolph just got here! Come say ‘hello!’”

’Oh, great. That is going to do nothing for the mood,’ Lucifer sighed to himself upon sight of the newcomer. He’d even dismissed the disguise over his eyes for a brief second just to be as certain as he could be about what he was seeing. Randolph did kill, killed for fun and thought the police were morons compared to himself. Although, to be fair, Alastor had said the same thing the other night.

Ooo, the anti-Alastor. Lucifer forced himself not to laugh. But going off the odd look the darker-toned man gave him during the introductions, he wasn’t hiding it super well.

“Lunch is about ready,” Missy told them then. “Why don’t we start heading to the dining room?”

As soon as she and Randolph’s backs were turned, dark eyes were on the king, silently asking, ‘Well??’

“You two have the same, uh, interests, for sure, but I can’t say for certain if your mother is one of them,” Lucifer spat out as quickly and lowly as he could.

Alastor, still looking annoyed and pensive, gave a nod.

The dining room was large and rectangular, with two circular tables, one for the adults, the shorter for the children- presumably. “Your mother’s a genius,” the blond muttered to his companion. “No head of the table.”

“Some try to make one anyway, but she’s usually quick to-“

“Alastor! Come sit by me and Randolph and bring that lovely lady so I can get to know her better!”

“-diffuse any attempts,” he chuckled as he finished. “I do hope you enjoy the show.”

The blond wasn’t afraid to ask, he simply wasn’t given an opportunity, Alastor suddenly taking his hand and briskly walking toward their hostess.

“I’m curious to know more about this mystery woman myself,” Maya spoke, Sophie still in tow while taking the spots on the other side of the Missy and her significant other. “Especially since Alastor hasn’t seen fit to mention her even once!”

This again? Bitch. Lucifer was reminded that he was shit in social situations like this. One-on-one he was usually okay, but a big group like this… luckily, he was with someone who literally made his living talking- and talking well. “We haven’t known each other long,” the darker-toned man smiled as he explained, and that much was indeed true; it had only been a couple months, and the king was finding himself in Alastor’s company much more than once or twice a week. “The day we met was the day after the last gathering, I think.”

“That you didn’t bother attending,” Maya deadpanned.

“I had a preexisting engagement; I did tell Mother ahead of time.”

“It’s the quality of time that matters, Maya, not the quantity,” Missy spoke between bites. “Lucy, please, tell us about yourself- and how did you and Alastor meet?”

Fuck. He’d completely forgotten to create some sort of backstory for himself.

Again, Alastor to the rescue. “Do you mind if I tell her, Lucy?”

“Not at all!” was the nervous laugh. “I’d much rather hear you tell it anyway.”

There was a flicker of ‘I bet you would’ in the taller man’s dark eyes before he started to speak again. “I was leaving the radio station and almost tripped over a small child. Charlotte, running past me. Before I regained my balance, this lovely one crashed into me in pursuit of said child.”

“Aw, so Charlotte brought you together!” Missy cooed, glancing over to the girl currently chatting animatedly with the other kids. “That’s too adorable.”

“Like a fairy tale,” Maya drawled. It was interesting to note that Sophie’s implied malice had dimmed exponentially since Lucifer had first seen her, making him wonder exactly what her friend had told the woman about her nephew. “So, what do you do, Lucy?”

King = paperwork and meetings. Oh! “I’m an administrator,” he spoke, proud of his quick thinking.

“Oh, wow! A little thing like you? I never would have guessed!”

“Maya, stop,” Missy warned.

“What? She’s so petite; I’m astonished she doesn’t get trampled in an office setting!”

“I’m really good at dodging,” the blond provided.

“I suppose you’d have to be,” was the dry reply, but before her sister could cut in again, persisted, “How does a thing like that happen? Becoming skilled at dodging people, that is- do you have many siblings?”

“I suppose I do,” Lucifer lowly voiced. “But we don’t talk much anymore. Missy, I must say,” he quickly continued on. “This meal is delicious; I can see where Alastor got his talent from.”

“You let a man cook for you?” Fucking Maya again. “Have you no pride?”

Lucifer started to laugh. He couldn’t help it. Even if she was unaware of it, the irony was too much.

“How is that funny?!”

“Must be your backward way of thinking,” Alastor chuckled.

“It’s not backward! It’s the way things are!”

“Not for everyone,” the king continued to smirk.

“Ugh, no wonder the little bastard latched onto-“

“Mind your tongue before I remove it,” Lucifer warned. The only thing keeping him contained now was not wanting Alastor’s family to exclude him further.

“Oh, that’s not an exaggeration,” Maya continued to preen. “He-“

Lucifer made to launch himself off the edge of the table towards the woman, but was just as quickly pulled back, and found himself leaning so far back he was almost under the table, wrapped in Alastor’s arms, the taller man leaning in so close… “Reel it in,” came the husky whisper. “You’re starting to transform.”

’I am? Shit.’ He took a couple breaths, leaning into the taller man’s warmth, and as he calmed, even dared nuzzle against his forehead.

“Better?”

“Yeah. Sorry.”

“Don’t be,” the darker-toned man softly smiled, his breath warm, and smoothly pushed him back to his feet, then picked up the toppled-over chair the blond hadn’t even noticed and gestured for him to sit.

Lucifer did, feeling awfully embarrassed- right until Alastor was squeezing, then continued to hold, his hand under the table.

Light laughter began to sound through the otherwise still air. Missy’s youngest sister, Maryann. “Well, if there ever was someone in this world who could stun Maya into silence, Alastor would be the one to find them!” she declared.

“It would be him, wouldn’t it?” Missy agreed, smiling herself.

“A fierce lioness you’ve got there, Al,” Randolph chuckled then.

“Ah-ha! Never call me that. Ever.”

&&

Much to Lucifer’s surprise, Alastor didn’t usher them out as soon as the meal was done. They weren’t even the first to leave. Almost three hours later, when Maya and her family left, Missy offered the newcomers a tour of the house her son tagged along for, but at a slower pace- and wearing a soft smile.

“And I don’t know how much you two enjoy reading, but here’s the library,” the woman was brightly smiling now, gesturing into a room almost as large as his own library at home, walls lined with book-filled shelves.

“Daddy! Books!” Charlotte yelled, running wildly into the space.

“Oh, uh, yeah, sometimes she just gets things like that confused,” Lucifer tried.

“Sorry, Daddy! I forgot you’re Momma today!” the girl yelled from further inside, making the remaining blond stammer and twitch further.

Missy lightly laughed, putting a hand on a shorter shoulder. “Whatever’s going on, you don’t need to explain, Lucy,” she smiled warmly. “I see Charlotte certainly likes to read; what about yourself?”

“I do; I just don’t have much time for it,” was the still-nervous reply. “I like reading with Charlotte before bed. Sometimes she nods off before I even finish the story,” he chuckled. “But, when I do read on my own, I suppose I just like learning how things work.”

“How things work, hmm?” Missy repeated, eyes flicking to her son before knowingly adding, “I think I can help you there. Without further explanation, she grabbed the blond’s hand and dragged him down the hall.

“Mother?” Alastor asked, then something seemed to click into place in his mind as he yelled more urgently, “Mother?!”

Lucifer quickly looked behind himself to see the man’s features twisted in… Shit. Fear. Where could Missy be taking him so urgently that-?

“Here we are!” the brunette woman preened before he could finish the thought, now stopping at another door. “Alastor’s childhood room.”

Oooohhhh.

He instinctively looked over at Alastor. The darker-toned man’s panic had become resigned, not even glancing up from where he stood a few feet away. “That’s very kind, Missy,” the shorter man spoke, and took a step back. “But somethings I don’t want to see until Alastor wants to show me.”

“Aw, depriving me of my fun, huh?” Missy pouted. “Oh, well; let’s see if Charlotte found anything interesting to read,” she continued, and started walking back down the hall.

Lucifer followed, and as he approached Alastor, a larger, darker-toned hand reached for him, and he was happy to offer his own and relish the warmth offered.

&&

Charlotte had found several novels she wanted to read, and Missy graciously let her borrow them. “That way, you’ll have to come and see me again,” she’d smiled.

Lucifer had told her they were sure that would be happening either way, and once ‘good-byes’ were said, the trio was on their way back. “Did you have fun today?” the king asked his daughter in the car.

“Yeah! Missy’s so nice, letting me borrow these books and she barely even knows me! Some of your nieces and nephews are really nasty, though, Alastor.”

“Were they unkind to you?” the driver asked warily.

“No, but they kept saying really sketchy things about you and your daddy. I kept telling them to stop being rude, and they rolled their eyes at me, but at least they finally stopped.”

“…I thank you for your defense, Charlotte.”

“Of course! I still don’t get why they were acting like that, just because your skin’s darker? Is that a human thing?”

Lucifer watched Alastor take a long breath before responding, “It’s unfortunate, but it does happen.”

“Wait,” the shorter man realized. “Is that why Maya-?”

“Yes.”

“And that officer?!” came the realization.

“Yes.”

“Just because-?”

“Yes.”

“Wow.”

The brunet barked a laugh. “Is racism truly not a thing in Hell?”

“Eh, no, it probably is. That sort of thing usually just flies over my head. With attitudes like that present,” Lucifer continued with a sigh. “I’m surprised you went, let alone brought us with you.”

“If I hadn’t brought you, the only difference would have been added in blatant remarks about me nearing thirty and still single. And Mother guilt-tripped me into attending; I missed the last three. Never mind that I visit her nearly every weekend.”

Nearing thirty? “When’s your birthday?”

Alastor started to laugh.

“What? You’re not gonna tell me?”

“It’s not that,” he managed, actually wiping at the corners of his eyes. “Everything I just said, and that’s what you picked up on?”

“Well, I can’t do anything about the other stuff,” the king shrugged. “But I can think of an awesome way to celebrate your birthday- if only I knew when it waaaasss.”

“I already know what I’m doing. I’m going to the station for my shift and the club afterwards where Mimzy will try to to drink me under the table.”

“…Sounds like your average workday.”

“Because it is. I’ve never been a fan of my birthday, Lucifer, and I’m not about to start now.”

“Why not? Birthdays are supposed to be fun, aren’t they?”

“And when’s your birthday?”

“Hey! No fair! There weren’t calendars yet!”

“Just the same. I’ll tell you my birthday when you can tell me yours.”

“Pfft. I’ll just call your mom; she clearly loves me.”

Dark eyes rolled, but he didn’t retort. The king knew he’d won.

The rest of the ride was quiet, Charlotte pointing out animals during the short drive, both domestic and wild. Alastor pulled up the short driveway, and the three got out. “Do we have to go home now, Momma?”

“You still have to meet up with your tutor, young lady,” the king reminded her. “You promised you would when we got back.”

Her lips pursed, but she gave a reluctant nod.

“Do you have somewhere to be as well, Lucifer?” Alastor asked, standing beside him, tone low. Ohhh. That sensation was so much smoother than any pillowcase. “Or might I keep you awhile longer?”

“I, um, think that would be okay,” the blond managed. “Just let me double-check with Lily.”

Lucifer went through the portal with his daughter, left her with her mother who seemed fine with her husband’s continued absence, changed with a literal snap, and bounded back through the portal.

“That was quick,” Alastor snickered from the couch, currently in the middle of pulling his tie loose. Rawr. “You changed and everything,” was the add, noting the slacks and loosely buttoned shirt.

“Prefer the dress, did we?”

“It… suited you, yes.”

“Suited me?” the king repeated, sitting down next to his host. “Don’t hurt yourself, Al.”

A scoff left the taller man. “I didn’t take you to be one to fish for compliments, Your Highness.”

“Excuse you, I do not need to fish for compliments, thank you.”

“Could have fooled me,” was the retort- to a hurried knock on the door.

“Don’t answer it,” Lucifer deadpanned, dual-colored eyes fixed on the offending sound.

“You know who it is?”

“I’ve just become very familiar with that particular self-righteous stink.”

“Oh. Maya. What could she want? She’s never even been here before.”

“That, I don’t know,” the shorter man admitted as another impatient knock sounded.

“Alastor!” the woman’s angry tone sounded with even more noise accompanying it. “I know you’re home- I can see your damn car!”

“I would not put it past her to stand out there the rest of the afternoon just to prove her point,” the brunet sighed. “I’ll just see what she wants and get rid of her.”

Lucifer frowned, but gave a nod, not happy about their time together being interrupted, especially by someone so foul.

Alastor opened the door. “What do you-?” he started to ask, and the king heard a slap.

“You filthy little half-breed!” Maya was snarling now. “Bringing that little hussy to meet Missy! And when I brought a perfectly respectable woman for you to meet! How dare you!”

“Right back at you,” Lucifer snarled, now at the door as well. The sight of the darker-toned man’s furious face while he cradled his cheek had thrown both logic and decorum right out the fucking window.

The woman blinked, processing, then her ire tripled. “Lucy?!?” she shouted in exasperation. “Oh, I cannot wait to-“

The king had jumped up, wings keeping him at Maya’s eye level. With a hand to her forehead, he muttered a spell he didn’t normally like using, but it might knock some sense into this piece of work. Once done, he dropped back to the ground and folded his wings away.

The moment he did, the woman snapped out of her haze, smirking as if she’d been able to finish her threat and turned on her heel to return to her waiting driver and car.

“What was that?” Alastor asked as he closed the door again, tone edged not in concern or worry, but curiosity.

“She’ll be having some very vivid nightmares for the next couple weeks,” the blond stated. “I didn’t want to, but-“

He was cut off, but not complaining. In one swift movement, Alastor had lifted the shorter form to pin him against the wall, then further envelop him in a deep, wanting kiss. It was so unexpected, but so welcome, Lucifer couldn’t stop himself from moaning into the other man’s mouth.

And just as abruptly, it stopped. Through his hazy gaze, he saw Alastor looking both embarrassed and uncomfortable, but he couldn’t begin to fathom why.

“I, ah, I’m… I’m going to put you down now,” the brunet managed, dutifully avoiding the paler man’s gaze.

Lucifer let him, then calmly spoke, “If you think I’m upset-“

“No. You’ve made it very plain that’s not an issue,” Alastor replied, sitting back down on the couch. “But that’s just it, I suppose. I only wanted to kiss you because I knew it would make you happy, not because I wanted to, and I… I realized belatedly that probably wasn’t how it would be interpreted. I don’t want to give you the wrong idea.”

The shorter man sat with him. “I really think you’re overcomplicating this.”

“Oh?” His gaze remained on the floor, but he sounded interested in whatever logic was about to be thrown at him.

“You’ve also made it plain that you don’t feel that sort of attraction, and that you kissed me anyway, just because you knew how happy it would make me… Al, that’s pretty fucking wonderful.”

The darker-toned man didn’t seem to know how to reply, expression still conflicted and not moving.

Lucifer let himself fall to the side, leaning against the taller form. “And, if I may, I have a hard time believing that was your first time doing that.”

“…I never said it was.”

Alastor’s focus still hadn’t moved, and his tone suggested that he didn’t want to discuss it further. That was okay. “Would it be too much to ask for another?”

“Hn?” It looked like his companion had been lost in his own thoughts. “Another kiss? From you, no.”

The blond sat up on his knees to face the taller man, giving his lips a lick.

Alastor actually smirked then, and gently pulled him in.

Lucifer called a bit of healing light to his hand, and let it sit on the other’s swollen cheek.

When Alastor pulled away this time, he was just as breathless as his partner. “Did you just… heal me?” he asked as if he didn’t quite believe it.

“Kissing shouldn’t be painful,” Lucifer spoke logically, and found himself attached to the taller man a third time, and not just at the mouth. Alastor was pulling him so close, so tight… “I do hope… you are enjoying yourself too, at least,’ the blond managed when the other man broke away to nuzzle into his own neck- and inhale deeply.

“I want to know every part of you, everything there is to know about you.”

Oh? “Why’s that?”

“It’s… ridiculous to think that you- you would need… protection, but… just the same, that you’re safe is the one thing I want to be sure of.”

Lucifer was sure Alastor didn’t know the depth of what he was asking for. “The thought warms me just the same,” he promised, pulling away so he could look into those gorgeous dark eyes again. “But I don’t think you realize how bold a desire that is.”

“I know you don’t need protection, least of all from me-“

“Not that. The first part. Know me completely? Not even Lilith can make that claim.”

“…If I’m being honest, I’m not sure it’s possible myself, but… Fuck, I want to try.”

“Well then,” the king purred, his hand now lightly caressing the side of his partner’s face. “Please know I wish you luck.”

“…How much luck?”

Lucifer started laughing. “So certain of yourself, aren’t you?” he asked fondly. “Think I’ll help you cheat?”

“Is it cheating if it’s something we both want?”

The blond groaned. “Fuck; you need to come with a warning.” His companion chuckled. “I’m not the first to say that, am I?”

“No, but you are the first to say it like it’s a good thing.”

With a snort, Lucifer sat back. “Well, I guess we start with what’s commonly known, right?” he reasoned, and let himself transform into his demonic form- up to the horns, no fire, as he didn’t want to burn the place down. At first, it looked like he might not be getting the reaction he was going for. Alastor shifted back himself, actually, their hands still loosely joined and his dark eyes wide with awe.

But just as the king was going to ask if he’d already gone too far too fast, Alastor started moving again, lifting his other hand in what could almost be described as caution. He slid his warm knuckles up the paler face- and continued gliding right up the horn. “Can you feel that?” he asked.

“Mn, sort of? I think? It’s not like an arm or a leg, but losing one would probably still hurt, you know?”

“Not really, but I think I understand,” was the reply, dark eyes still taking in the form. “I’m guessing you usually look like this.”

“What? No. You can’t flaunt even the beginnings of badass mode,” the king drawled jokingly, earning a laugh. “My, uh, default, I guess, is how you usually see me.” While he had been hoping Alastor would keep using that tongue in a different way, this way could be fun, too. He reached over to touch the edge of his companion’s oval frames. “Far sighted or near sighted?”

Dark eyes perked at the interest in himself. So cute! “I’m half blind in my left eye,” came the admittance. “My right is fine, actually; that’s just a piece of glass so every person I meet doesn’t feel a need to comment on it missing.”

“Monocles too fancy?"

“Too rememberable. If you start sticking out, people start looking at you more closely.”

“Gotcha.” That dark gaze flicked to the side. “Huh? Oh, yeah. Tail,” the shorter man spoke sheepishly, swinging the spaded end up between them. “Likey?” he asked, waving the end at the other man.

Alastor laughed lightly, eyes still on the appendage, even laying his palm out flat so the spade itself could lay on it. “A heart?” he asked in confusion.

Lucifer lightly shrugged. “I guess. That’s how it’s always been.”

“…Huh.”

“Yeah.”

The taller man was quiet a few moments, looking over and gently touching the different points at the end of his tail. It kind of tickled, but Alastor looked so… so perfect, brow furrowed in concentration, he held back as long as he could before starting to giggle.

“S-Sorry. Guess I’m ticklish.” Before the other man could get out what would clearly be an instinctive apology, the king jumped up and snapped to vanish his boots and pants, underwear still intact. “Looky! Goat legs!”

“I, um, know. That time we fell asleep on the couch.”

“Right! You moved us to bed, didn’t you? That was good thinking. I wasn’t wearing shoes then, was I? Huh. But I bet you wondered at least a little about how fuzzy my legs are.” Lucifer was doing all he could not to ask just how covered in scars Alastor was and how it happened- that was bound to be a much touchier subject. And he didn’t get to be silly like this very often. And the taller man’s flustered look at the assumption was just fucking adorable. “Hey! Don’t look away! Cute goat legs right here!”

At which point, they both had a good laugh.

“Oh,” the blond realized, pulling back the transformation and retaking his seat. “There is another thing… just don’t laugh, okay?”

“Scout’s honor.”

“You will tell me that story one day.”

“Not today,” was the smirk.

Dual-colored eyes rolled. “I usually keep these hidden, they’re so weird, but… here,” he managed, letting two long, fuzzy ears pop out from either side of his head.

Alastor was staring at him, but he seemed stunned, not humored. Lucifer could feel himself starting to flush, then even more so when he heard a soft, “M…doe.”

“Did-did you just call me your doe?”

Embarrassment was immediately prevalent on the taller man’s face, no longer meeting his gaze.

His ears were meant to be modeled the same as a goat, not a deer, but just the same, Lucifer leaned forward to admit, “Because if you did, that’s a place I would happily take.”

The brunet head jerked to him again, expression now awed, maybe even mystified, and Alastor turned toward him to pull the shorter form as close as he could for as long as he could.

&&
&&

I only pray you’ll never leave me behind
Because good music can be so hard to find
I take your hand, hold it closer to mine
Thought love was dead but now you’re changing my mind

&&
&&

Lucifer ended up spending the night, and Alastor took his time waking the next morning, contented to remain wrapped in soothing warmth and silken feathers.
Until Lucifer’s phone sounded.

That tone was obnoxious in any situation, but especially so now, and as much as Alastor wanted it to stop, he did not want his partner to move, refusing to release the seraph when he gently pulled away at the noise.

“Al…”

“No.”

A chuckle. “As cute as this is, I do have to answer my phone, and you have to get up soon.”

The brunet’s only response was the tighten his hold on the shorter man.

“Al.”

Alastor grumbled but released his captive. The tone had stopped, but the king had still walked into the next room to retrieve the device. “Anything important?”

“Yes and no,” the blond replied, returning with his gaze on the device. “Lilith’s just reminding me of a meeting later today. She’s probably sick of me showing up late when I lose track of time here,” he chuckled, sitting down on the mattress. His middle was immediately encircled by two darker-toned appendages. “My, my; someone’s feeling clingy this morning.”

He was released.

Lucifer laughed. “Oh, so that’s how I get you to release your tentacles.”

“Tentacles? Rude.”

“I mean that affectionately, I promise, but sadly, I should start heading back.”

“Disagree,” Alastor deadpanned. “You said the meeting was later today, and I don’t have to start being functional for another hour.”

“But if we get up now, we can have a nice, tranquil breakfast.”

“…Do you even need to eat?”

“No. But you do. Come on, I’ll conjure whatever you want. A lovely way to start the day, don’t you think?”

Fortunate or not, he couldn’t argue the point.

&&
&&

While Lucifer hadn’t lied, Lilith had texted him to remind him of the meeting, he had one more stop to make before he was going to head back to work. The portal he opened from Alastor’s house was to his own house, but from there, he opened another to another location- Missy’s house.

The woman was on her own in the library; it was the perfect time to talk.

“I thought you might stop by,” the woman spoke, setting her book aside to stand and give the newcomer a respectful nod. “Your Highness.”

“For whatever it’s worth, I didn’t know he was your son.”

“Oh yes, that much was obvious when you saw me,” she chuckled. “But, as long as everyone’s being treated fairly, I’m not concerned about it. What does concern me is whether or not you two have made a deal as well.”

“No, but I’m pretty sure we are actually dating.”

More laughter. “Dear, if he brought you to meet me, and during a family gathering, no less, you’re dating. I was happy to meet your daughter, she’s quite lively.”

“Yeah,” the king chuckled himself. “That’s Charlotte. I… assume you haven’t said anything to Alastor about our deal?”

“A safe assumption. I would appreciate your discretion as well.”

He gave a nod. “I’ll leave you to your afternoon.”

“Before you go, Your Highness, I really did mean what I said about you two visiting. Perhaps I can bring myself to tell Alastor everything.”

“Going off Alastor’s reaction when I told off Maya, I think it’s safe to say we’ll be by again. And Missy, I meant what I said earlier, too- I had fun today. So did Charlotte.”

“Well then, I hope to see you both again soon. Have a lovely day, Your Highness.”

“You too, Missy.”

&&
&&

’Lucifer was right,’ Alastor mused later, on his way up to his office. ’That was a perfect way to start a day.’

He even dared to hope the rest of the day would follow suit.

“Hey, Legare.”

Oh well, it was a nice dream while it lasted. Now, the darker-toned man looked up from his desk to give Carl an unimpressed look. “Wow, got it right on the first try- to what do I owe the honor?”

“Right to the point, perfect,” the intruder smirked, leaning on the doorframe. “Remember that favor you did for me a few months ago?”

The brunet’s mood instantly darkened. “That wasn’t a favor, that was extortion,” he replied pleasantly. And a few weeks before he’d met Lucifer. Things were more complicated now.

“Call it what you like- it’s happening again this Saturday.”

“Not even over my dead, decaying body,” was the chipper retort despite knowing what was next.

“Oh, so you’ve grown tired of the cushy time slot? I could certainly schedule you closer to midnight.”

“And there’s the extortion.”

“It’s one night of your life, Legare,” his boss persisted. “I’ll even be nice about it this time- you can have a whole extra hour for the whole following week.”

“I feel like Sampson will have a thing or two to say about that.”

“Sampson can eat my ass,” Carl replied dryly.

That was a surprise, but he didn’t let it show. “Why me?” he did ask. “It’s not as if we’re friends, and your sister couldn’t have been charmed by my ‘sparkling’ personality.”

“God help me, she was.”

“You can’t be serious.” He’d spent the majority of the night ignoring her, any questions were answered with two words maximum, and nothing volunteered.

“Sadly, I am. If it helps, he’s extorting me to get you to escort her to the damn garden party.”

“Oh, so it’s a family affair, then?”

“She’s only my half-sister, Legare, watch it. One night of your life for an extra hour of airtime for a week.”

He was desperate. “Make it a month.”

“Done,” Carl agreed, and left.

“I knew I should’ve gone for two,” Alastor grumbled. “And I’ll have to cancel my plans with Lucifer… and I really don’t want to tell him why.” It was embarrassing for one, and for two, the whole situation would assuredly piss the king off.

He wouldn’t care for a half truth, either.

…If he found out.

’No-no-no, don’t you dare even think down that road. I’ll just ask to reschedule for Sunday night; he probably won’t even ask why.’

&&
&&

Lucifer didn’t ask why, not in response to the message, only replied that the next night was fine for him as well. But Alastor was normally a straight-forward person, and that he hadn’t just said why was suspicious.

’Whatever it is, he’s embarrassed about it,’ the king concluded. ’But am I curious enough to spy on him? Why yes, yes I am.’

Chapter Text

Life is easy to be scared of
With you I am prepared for what is yet to come
Cause our two hearts will make it easy
Joining up the pieces, together making one

&&
&&

That Saturday evening, Lucifer summoned up a portal to Alastor’s barn, hoping he hadn’t already missed the taller man leaving. Gratefully, not only was he still in, it looked as if he was on his way out.

Lucifer, currently invisible to mortal eyes, nibbled at his lower lip. Alastor was dressed in a black cocktail suit complete with white gloves that he was stuffing into his pocket. Was he going to nab someone and needed to blend in?

Once the brunet got in his car to drive towards the city, the king took flight to follow him. ’If he just remembered a previous engagement, he could’ve just told me… unless… did I embarrass him at Missy’s house?’

It didn’t feel right, but all he could do at present was follow the car.

Alastor drove into the city, but didn’t stop at the station, or even near it. He stopped at a three-story house four blocks away. The seraph, still in flight, watched the darker-toned man knock on the door and another man- Was that Carl?!?- answered.

He lowered himself to the sidewalk, a few feet from his quarry. That was Carl, and Alastor was greeting him stiffly…

A young woman. Her skin was lighter than Alastor’s but still darker than Carl’s, and she… she was so pretty. A dainty little thing with a bright, innocent smile.

Despite not needing it, Lucifer swore he felt all the air leave him. “No,” he gasped.

Subtly, Alastor’s gaze hit the sidewalk, brow minimally furrowed in confusion, then escorted the young woman to his car.

’He cancelled because he had a date?!?’ the king seethed. He forced himself to steady, to calm his temper before taking flight again to continue following the vehicle. ’Carl’s involved. It’s possible he didn’t give Alastor a choice in the matter… Didn’t think he was that big a dick, though. Al’s definitely not the cheating sort- Shit. Can I even call this cheating?” the blond realized, his quarry parking in a lot that already contained quite a few other cars.

A party?

Okay, something was definitely up. There was no way Alastor fucking Legare was among this many people in his spare time willingly. Still, Lucifer wanted answers.

He flew down again, this time to a secluded corner nearby where he could transform to his more feminine form. He was the same as when he visited Missy, but with slightly less appropriate attire. White cloth draped his shoulders, dipping at his chest just enough to make an older generation clutch their pearls, the skirt just before his knees. Black lace flowed as he walked, not quite covering up how risqué the outfit was, black heels and opera gloves running up his arms. The whole spectacle was topped off with a black feather hairpin.

Feeling quite satisfied with himself he headed out into the party.

Eyes followed his every movement. As well they should. It seemed Alastor hadn’t reached the yard yet, so he got himself a flute of champagne and waited.

It wasn’t for long.

With Alastor and the mystery woman was Carl and another mystery woman. His own partner, presumably. Lucifer continued to wait.

Again, it wasn’t long.

Alastor was nothing if not observant, always taking note of his surroundings and what they contained. And nearly all the color in the man’s face drained at the sight of the blond.

Lucifer gave a dainty wave.

He couldn’t hear whatever excuse the brunet made to leave the small group, but after he made it, he was striding right for the refreshment table. “This is not what it looks like,” came the soft, but urgent tone.

“You clean up nice.”

Alastor blinked, stalling as he reached for two flutes himself. “What?”

“The suit. It’s nice. Are you gonna wear something like that when we finally go dancing?”

“You’re… not upset?”

“Annoyed, really, that you couldn’t tell me about whatever this actually is. Text me when you have some time to talk, okay?”

“Certainly.”

He still looked so stunned that Lucifer chuckled, winked, and left to find a place to transform and summon a portal in.

&&

He was back home in time to have dinner with Lilith and Charlotte, and Alastor was occupied so long that he even got to read a bedtime story to his daughter. She also informed him that she was almost done with the books Missy had loaned her.

“I’ll see when we can visit again,” he promised her.

Charlotte tucked in and on her way to dreams, Lucifer returned to his own room and checked his phone, on silent while spending time with the girl.

Nothing from Alastor.

“It’s not nearly as late there as it is here,” he reminded himself.

Still.

“Maybe I should go and- No. You don’t need to check up on him. You told him to call you, and he will.”

The logic did not stop him from pacing.

For nearly a half hour, until Alastor’s text finally came. ‘I’m at home when you have some time.’

He snapped, instantly opening a portal to Alastor’s living room. He didn’t see the man, though, and double-checked that he’d read the message right. The taller man should be here...

Lucifer peered into the kitchen. Also vacant. Knawing his lower lip, he dared to peek in the bedroom, the door left three-quarters open.

Target acquired.

Target was changing, scarred back to the newcomer. He’d already gotten into a more casual pair of slacks, currently pulling a shirt from the dresser to finish covering himself.

Aw.

“Take a picture, it’ll last longer,” came the light-hearted jab. Alastor’s smile was edged in nervousness. “I, ah, I assume you’d like an explanation; I know I would.”

“Excuse me?”

“I reschedule and your plan is to follow me?”

“You rescheduled in a very out of character manner,” the king retorted. “You, however, have a much longer explanation ahead, I’m certain.”

The taller man’s sigh was resigned, but he gave a nod. “Sit with me?”

“All right.”

They took their usual spots beside each other on the couch, and Alastor began. “Carl wanted me to take his half-sister to that party. He agreed to give my broadcast an extra hour for a month.”

“He bribed you.”

“And said he’d move my broadcast to a much later hour if I didn’t do it.”

“Topped with extortion. How nice.”

“It’s a step up from the full-on extortion a few months ago.”

“He’s done this before?!?”

“And this is why I didn’t want to tell you. Get as angry as you’d like, Lucifer, but it doesn’t change anything."

“I could change plenty if I really put my mind to it,” the king returned. “But something tells me you wouldn’t appreciate it.”

The brunet sat back with a scoff. “If it harmlessly gets Constance away form me permanently, I may have more understanding that usual.”

Lucifer joined him. “Carl’s sister?”

“Mm-hm. He’s essentially having me lead the poor thing on, and while that’s disgusting, I…"

“I get it. We don’t hate Constance?”

“No. Constance is a lovely young lady, just not my cup of tea, so to speak. Unfortunately, it seems she’s taken a liking to, well, not me exactly, but how I am in public.”

“So… we just have to find her someone she likes more.”

“’We’ do, do we?”

“If nothing else, I thought we had a partnership."

“That’s true, but I don’t know about playing matchmaker.”

“There’s only one other thing I can think of,” the blond ventured. “But I don’t think you’re going to like it.”

“Try me.”

“If you were with someone else, she’d have to step aside, yes?"

A scoff. “Like who?”

Lucifer snapped, transforming himself as he had hours earlier.

“Oh. I… Oh. She is already jealous of you,” came the realization.

“She is? How?”

“Oh, I’m certain it had nothing to do with talking to me in that scandalous outfit.”

“Talking to someone is all it takes, huh?”

“Scandalous outfit.”

The blond laughed. “You want scandalous, I can do much better than this.”

“That so?” the darker-toned man chuckled. “Like that first night?”

It took a second for him to remember what his companion meant. It hit him and he grinned, jumping up to change his outfit to the negligee. “You mean this old thing?”

Alastor’s grin softened, holding a hand to him despite the small space. “Come here.”

“Oh, I see now, a guy gets a feminine form going and suddenly you get all touchy-feely,” Lucifer teased, doing so anyway, straddling the taller man’s lap.

“I told you,” the brunet breathed. “I want to know everything about you, and I’m hardly familiar with this form of yours. An insufferably I tend to remedy immediately.”

“I don’t want there to be anything insufferable between us,” the blond spoke, feeling his heart start to hammer in his chest. He was already so close to moaning the words. He didn’t know how far the taller man intended to go, but wanted to make it as easy on him as possible, snapping away the negligee. “Go ahead- touch me.”

Alastor’s eyes were dark, but he could still see the dilated pupils within. That sweltering gaze moved over his pale skin, followed by a warm hand caressing down from his neck to his stomach. “Can I-?”

“Yes.” There was nothing this man would do to him that he didn’t want.

A blink was the only outward sign of surprise, and Alastor shifted to sit up more and urge the shorter form closer.

Lucifer complied. He wasn’t certain if this was the first time his companion was seeing a bared female form, but Alastor’s touches and eventual licks were slow, soft, as if he were savoring each and every one. The blond actually looked down to be sure the taller man hadn’t grown extra set of hands- they seemed to be everywhere all at once.

“You’re trembling.”

An edge of concern. How sweet. “I’m so wet.”

“Let me see,” the breathless tone immediately returned.

The shorter form leaned back, back so far his hands were flat on the coffee table. Alastor’s fingers grazed reverently down his skin to settle between his legs. A needy cry left him when a long finger slid inside him.

“Goodness, you are aroused,” Alastor practically purred, a possessive hue to his tone that his partner wasn’t hating. “All this from some touching?”

“You,” Lucifer moaned, two fingers already working inside him. Was this natural talent? “A-all you.”

“Aren’t you kind?” the brunet returned, his thumb beginning to slide against the other’s swollen clit. Lucifer crumbled, nearly losing his grip on the table, the taller man seeing the need for a small change in position. Carefully, he urged the shorter man’s midsection upward, allowing for him to readjust his shoulders and head against the table, hands still gripping the edge in the opposite direction. “Steady?”

“Yes, yes, please don’t stop.”

“Like this?” the brunet asked, immediately picking back up where he’d left off.

“Y-Yess,” his partner moaned, beginning to buck against the digits. His voice filled the room when the very tip of his engorged clit, so wet he could feel his own juices running up his back, probably dripping to the floor… “S-So close…”

“Don’t hold back on my account,” Alastor purred, still rubbing, still reaching so deep inside…

They kept going through the paralyzing orgasm, extending it until he was a shuddering mess splaying out in front of the darker-toned man.

When had he learned to do that? Questions for later; after that show, surely there were more pressing matters.

Gathering his wits, Lucifer shifted to lean up elbows still on the coffee table- and smirked. “Want some help with your situation?”

Alastor glanced down to the king’s gaze and saw his own arousal seeping through his pants. His legs slammed shut, embarrassment all over his flustered features.

’I just had a super-intense orgasm literally in front of his face, completely naked, and he’s still shy. How cute!’ the blond chuckled to himself. “You should know by now that you don’t have to hide from me,” he spoke out loud, slowly moving to reclaim his spot on the taller man’s lap. This time, however, he draped himself over just one of those long legs, and closer now, noticed something else interesting. Or, a lack of something. It was good and wet between Alastor’s legs, but no bulge. “Oh,” Lucifer smiled. “Now I understand how you got so good at that! Shit, I was lecturing you for making assumptions, and here I am making them myself. But in any case, offer stands,” he purred.

“You’re… not… upset?”

“Because I have to edit a couple fantasies? Don’t be ridiculous, Alastor.”

The flush blossomed anew at the confession.

“Now, what do you want me to do for you, Al?”

A sharp intake of breath, features twisted between wanting and holding back… but their gazes held each other. “I-I…I….”

“Tell me, Al,” the paler man persisted. “I want to know everything about you, too.”

A pained whine left the other man, but rather than a verbal reply, he took hold of the king’s left hand to give it a kiss, and Lucifer started to get upset. Submission was not what he was looking for, and-

Oh.

Alastor undid his pants, then eased the hand over his slick arousal. “Is… this all right?”

“If it’s what you want, then it’s perfect,” his partner replied, and instantly began rubbing his fingers against hot, slick walls.

Alastor’s broken moan was the sweetest music.

“All this, just for me?” Lucifer purred. “You’re already so close, aren’t you? All you needed was a little touch.”

“Y-Your touch,” came the correction.

He worked his fingers faster, the normally composed man under him quickly becoming an incoherent mess. “I’d say you were just being sweet, but I can feel how true that is. It’s all you want, is it? To be close to me?”

“F-fu… Yes… yes…”

“Then come for me. Let me see you come completely undone, just from my touch.”

A strangled cry left the brunet, now bucking up against the digits working so hard inside him. He even lifted a leg up, foot against the coffee table, slightly jostling his partner- who took the hint, reaching even further inside the unraveling man. The new angle also allowed him to return the favor of thumbing his clit, which earned the king a desperate, longing moan.

Fuck, he was so far gone, one hand gripping the back of the couch, the one a pale thigh so tightly it was nearly drawing golden blood.

Lucifer didn’t mind. Just as he was about to offer more verbal encouragement, the couch was ripped, Alastor’s back arched, and soon after, relief flowed from him. The taller man did have a coughing fit while catching his breath, and the blond withdrew his hand to let it sit on a darker-toned hip.

Scarred hip. And as there was a vagina in those pants and not a penis, those scars probably traced back to an event even worse than anything the king had been thinking. And with that thought, realized Raphael still hadn’t called him back. Time to be a pest… but later. Alastor was clearly enjoying his post-orgasmic buzz, and all he wanted to do was curl up with him while he enjoyed it.

So he did.

&&
&&

When we are together you make me feel like my mind is free
And my dreams are reachable
You know I never ever believed in love
Or believed one day you would come along
And free me

&&
&&

In the past, Alastor hadn’t minded being at work, exactly- he did love his actual job, though certain factors could be exhausting. Lucifer came by during his broadcast sometimes, usually to just sit and listen, but other times he made more monster figurines. There had even been a couple instances that they’d sat together in his own office, each quietly attending to their own work. So, while home was still preferable to work, work had quickly become a pretty close second.

“Good morning, Mr. Legare!”

“Good morning, Miss. Figg,” he replied, settling into his space for the day.

“I’ll be right back with your coffee,” the woman smiled, and was quickly gone again.

When she returned, it was with coffee, but her smile had brightened to to point that it sent shivers down his spine- foreboding shivers.

“There’s someone here to see you,” she spoke after setting down the mug.

Her smile really was much too chipper. “And who might that be?” he asked, a picture of calm contentment.

“You should be honored! He-“ Her happy declaration cut short, the angel looking over her shoulder out of the office before facing him again. “Raphael,” she smiled pleasantly. “His name is Raphael.”

“Another angel, I presume,” Alastor grumbled.

“Not just any- Please. See him.”

“If it helps,” an easy-going male voice spoke from outside. “I’m not here because of Claire’s bidding, but Lucifer’s curiosity.”

“...Be it fortunate or not, you now have my curiosity as well,” the brunet admitted.

Claire giggled and gave a little clap, almost skipping from the space. A man almost a foot taller than her, holding himself regally, strode in to stand where the woman had stood. He was just as pale as Lucifer, hair just as blond, but his eyes shone a clear, emerald green. And while Lucifer’s smile was hesitant and even a little wary at times, the newcomer’s was warm and kind.

“Raphael, I presume?”

A nod. “And you’re Alastor, yes?”

“Lucifer sent you?”

“Oh, no, not at all!” the paler man laughed. “May I sit?”

“Certainly,” the taller man replied, doing so himself. “It was Lucifer’s curiosity that brought you by, but he didn’t send you?”

“No.”

Hn. “Well then, why are you here? It may not mean much in the grand scheme of things, but I do have work to do.”

“I understand,” was the pleasant reply- but nothing further was offered.

“…Right. I’m going to work; let me know when you’re ready to talk.”

Raphael started to chuckle.

“Something amuse you?”

Still smiling, the blond answered, “I can see why he likes you.”

Lucifer. “So then, you’re, what, the older brother here to warn me against hurting him?”

The visitor was laughing even harder at the assumption. “Luci’s older than most of us, but I have access to resources he doesn’t anymore. So, when he asked me to look you up-“

“He asked you to check up on me? In what capacity?”

“Please don’t twist my words,” the green-eyed man sighed. “Looking you up isn’t the same as checking up on you, but that he asked at all mean you are quite important to him, so I wanted to come and see what all the fuss was about.”

…Lilith had said that, too. Were they both just turning a phrase, or was his afterlife something he should be preparing for differently? ’Perhaps I should be asking Lucifer some pointed questions,’ came the realization. “Are you satisfied, then?”

“I do have a question before I go, if you’ll permit me.”

“Depends on the question.”

“How long have you had his feathers?”

Alastor paused, keeping his expression neutral. Lucifer’s feathers were tucked into his waistcoat, where he planned to keep them daily. Rather than question how the other man knew, he asked, “How is that pertinent?”

“Curiosity.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“Does that mean you won’t answer?”

“I’m not sure yet. Are you the ‘Raphael’ I think you are?”

“If you think I’m an archangel most commonly associated with healing, then yes, I am who you think I am.”

“You and Lucifer have stayed close, then, despite… everything?”

The blond turned pensive. “I’m not sure ‘close’ is the right word, but we have kept in touch, yes.”

“…Why is when he gave me the feathers important?”

“Only in that I want to be sure he hadn’t left it out when we spoke.”

This gift was that important? Wow. “He gave a me the feathers a couple days ago."

A nod, and the archangel stood. “I’ll leave you to your day, Alastor.”

“…It was interesting speaking with you you, Raphael,” Alastor did offer, standing as well and even offering a hand.

The action seemed to surprise the blond, but pleasantly, and he reciprocated the gesture. “For me as well, Alastor; I hope we’re able to speak again.”

The taller man gave a polite nod and his visitor went on his way.

The conversation continued to cross his mind a few times throughout the day, but even as he went over it, couldn’t find anything obviously nefarious about it. Still, he made a mental note to ask Lucifer about it when he got back home.

&&

And when Alastor arrived home that night, deciding to skip the club for bed, found a child on his couch. Asleep, and laying on a book half her size. Granted, Alastor knew this child, but was still confused as to how she was here, alone- unless she’d inherited her father’s traveling abilities.

He called Lucifer.

“Hey, Al; what’s going on?”

“What time is it there?” the brunet asked. Since time passed more slowly there, it tended to fluctuate.

“Um, almost four in the afternoon- why?”

“Do you happen to know where your daughter is?”

“…She’s supposed to be studying in her room, but I’m guessing she found her way there.”

“That would be correct.”

A humored snort. “Give me a minute; I’ll be right there.”

“Sure,” Alastor replied, and hung up. Charlotte hadn’t even flinched during the conversation. To be young and carefree.

He moved to see if he could decipher what she was reading, but it was in a language he wasn’t familiar with.

’Coffee. I need coffee.’

The brunet was pouring his first mug when he heard familiar sweep that told of Lucifer’s arrival, and walked back into the living room. The sight that awaited him was nothing short of heartwarming.

The newcomer was gently scooping up his daughter, trying so hard not to disturb her while carrying her back through the portal and back within a minute, presumably for the book. Surprisingly, though, the portal closed behind him upon his return.

“Staying awhile?” Alastor asked before a mouthful of caffeine.

“If nothing else, I want to conjure you some dinner in apology.”

He was waved off. “Well, I won’t object to dinner, but I was more confused by Charlotte’s presence than anything else. And if you or Lilith were looking for her…”

“Yeah. Not yet, but would have been soon. You saved us a lot of panic- thank you,” the paler man replied, snapping a delicious-smelling meal into existence.

Alastor walked with him back into the kitchen, each taking their usual seats across from each other. “You’re sure there isn’t anything else you should be doing?”

"Ugh, you sound like Lilith.”

“I’ll take that as a complement,” the taller man decided, helping himself to the food. As always, it was just as if someone had spent all day on it.

Dual-colored eyes rolled. “I suppose I didn’t mean an insult, but I am an adult, you know.”

“An adult that procrastinates like he’s getting paid for it.”

Lucifer tried to laugh, but his mouth was full. Watching him reel himself in was pretty funny. “Rude, he finally managed. “But no, it’s fine. All I was doing was going over, well, I guess you’d call them sanitation reports.”

“I’m going to need a touch more information.”

A snort. “The Pride Ring is a mess. It’s been a mess, easily the most trashed of all seven… been kind of a project of mine to get it looking a little nicer. Maybe the residents will start believing I give a fuck.”

“They don’t now?”

“Charlotte certainly wasn’t the only one to blame me; I’m just grateful she came around to see the situation for what it really was.”

“A hostage situation?” the darker-toned man deadpanned.

Lucifer laughed again, but it was forced. “Yeah, pretty much, huh?”

A change in subject was in order. “Can I ask what book Charlotte brought over?”

“Oh. It, uh, seems to be her new favorite. She was asking about Lilith and I before Hell, and we’ve both told her slightly sugar-coated stories, but this… Um, I guess this is the hard copy.”

“All the stories you tell her go into that book?”

“Yeah.” His smile had an edge of parental pride.

“Certainly one of a kind, then,” Alastor spoke, suddenly much more interested in the large book.

And it was obvious. Those dual-colored eyes looked ready for a tease, but he heard a soft snap instead, and a book with a similar cover but script he could read appeared beside him.

“You’re certain?”

“Yeah,” Lucifer replied. “I am. I’m guessing Charlotte will be sharing them with you soon anyway- if you’re all right with that, of course.”

“Charlotte is delightful. I’d like to get to know her better.”

“I’m glad.”

At which point Alastor remembered another talking point that should be addressed. “I was going to give you call tonight anyhow, now that I think of it.”

“Oh?”

“I had a visitor today. Claimed to be an acquaintance of yours.”

And just like that, the king’s expression changed from ‘tired dad’ to ‘pissed-off entity.’ No transformation yet (pity), but he was furious. “Who?” he growled.

“He said his name was Raphael.”

A groan. “I really should’ve seen that coming. I’m sorry he bothered you.”

“He didn’t. It was an interesting conversation. He said you asked him to ‘look me up,’ but I realized after, he never said in what capacity.”

“…And you’d like me to explain?”

“Very much, yes.”

Lucifer sat back, resisting the urge to knaw on his lower lip. “You are not gonna like this.”

“You’ve said that twice before, and each time it was fine.”

“…This is different.”

Alastor gave a nod and put down his fork. “Consider me warned.”

The king took a deep breath. “Heaven, probably unsurprisingly, has a Book with details on every soul in creation.” The brunet gave an understanding nod, already seeing at least partially where this was going. “I, uh, did ask Raphy to look you up in it, but for a detail you wouldn’t even know yourself.”

The information didn’t sit well. What could Heaven know about him that he himself wasn’t permitted to know?

“It’s nothing bad,” Lucifer quickly continued, a panicked edge to his tone. “Just… sometimes souls are, um, they’re created with a specific purpose in mind, and I… I-wanted-to-know-if-that-was-so-with-you-please-don’t-be-mad.”

“I’m not upset,” the brunet spoke truthfully. “But when that occurs, are the purposes always fulfilled?”

“Um… well, yes and no, I guess. Sometimes it’s fulfilled in a way that’s unexpected, nd other times the soul never finds the spark they’re looking for.”

Alastor took a moment to process the information. That was a possible explanation as to why so many seemed so lost. Didn’t seem right, but there could be additional information he was missing that would bring it all together… “And myself?” he ventured.

“I don’t know. He hasn’t called me back yet- but I can certainly pester him now,” the king offered, even getting out his phone.

“No, Lucifer. It’s fine, really. But if you could let me know when he does gt back to you, I’d appreciate it.”

“Of course! Sorry if I’m making you worry- it’s really nothing.”

“If it’s ‘nothing,’ then why did you want to know?”

The shorter man looked wildly uncomfortable. Oh, boy. “Is that… important?”

“With that reaction, it just became substantially more important.”

Lucifer sighed. “You really are going to hate me for this.”

Hate, unlikely, but it was looking more and more like it was going to piss him off. “I’m warned,” he replied calmly.

Those dual-colored eyes averted from the darker-toned man while he admitted, “You’re... perfect. For me. To me. And I… I just have to know if, if um, if-“

“-that was by accident or design.”

“…Yeah.” The blond’s gaze looked guilty- he was expecting an outburst.

“That’s something that can be done?” Literal soulmates? Was he serious? And yet, it would make so much sense…

“To a point. If that did happen here, I’m not saying that’s your only reason for existing or anything like that. Just… like… an extra, I think is the word.”

“I see.”

“You’re upset.”

“Interested, actually. If that’s so, it sets off a whole string of questions. The odds of the two of us meeting, for one, were not very high, but it still happened. Maybe sooner than expected, but- What?” he asked, seeing a happy little smile set on his companion’s face.

“You’re really not upset?”

“I don’t like the idea of anything being decided for me, but I can’t deny the ease with which we’ve settled in with each other. And I can’t bring myself to reject you because of some thick-headed principle.”

The smile blossomed.

“So… perfect, was it?”

The withering glare was purely joking. “Don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late,” the brunet retorted, resuming his meal.

“Now who’s fishing for complements?” the king snorted, doing the same.

“There was no fishing- you freely gave.”

“Yeah,” the paler man admitted. “Be it fortunate or not, I think I’m gonna keep doing that.”

“Be it fortunate or not, I’m very all right with that.”

Lucifer’s eyes rolled. “You and your ego.”

“Are perfect.”

“…I’m never going to hear the end of this, am I?”

“Ever.”

Chapter Text

Life is easy to be scared of
With you I am prepared for what is yet to come
Cause our two hearts will make it easy
Joining up the pieces, together making one

&&
&&

Alastor was having a pretty relaxing evening. He was off from work, dinner in the oven, and glass of whiskey in hand while he played piano along with the record playing- as best as he could one-handed, anyway. The crackle of a portal lightened his mood further, until he saw he was being joined by the queen of Hell rather than its king. Not… bad, exactly, but a little concerning.

“Good evening, Alastor,” she greeted him in a stiff, but polite, tone.

“Good evening, Lilith,” he replied, giving a polite nod. “Not that it isn’t lovely to see you-“

“Hush. I came here to talk to you, and Luci will only be in the bath an hour or so.” She took a seat on the couch and patted the spot next to her.

“Only an hour or so?” the brunet questioned, taking the spot and putting his drink down on the coffee table.

“One of his favorite indulgences,” the woman replied, her tone taking a softer edge.

“This is about him, then?”

“Yes.” She held her hands a few inches apart until a small rectangle appeared between them, almost translucent. “I have the ability to share my memories, and there’s one in particular you need to see.”

Alastor kept quiet while the queen worked. After a few beats, Lucifer’s face and form was on the rectangle, but… he was just staring ahead with the emptiest gaze the brunet had ever seen. So different from the jovial man he knew, he was almost inclined to think it was a different person. “When was this?”

“There wasn’t yet a solidified way of marking the passing days, but I’d say about a month after he fell. I didn’t care much about those high-strung angels myself, but to Lucifer, those high-strung angels were his family. It broke him when they cast him aside, Alastor.”

“I- I understand, but why are you telling me this?”

The picture vanished as her hands dropped. “Lucifer loves deeply, more deeply than anyone I’ve ever known. So certain declarations should not be made on a whim.”

She was staring him down now, and he had no idea why. “Have I said something that has upset one or both of you?”

“Luci was very happy that you claimed you’d incinerate Heaven just to get to him, but such talk concerns me.”

“Because it came from me or just in general?”

“You are cheeky, aren’t you?”

“Honest question, I swear.”

“… Luci was in that state for weeks. I started Hell’s hierarchy and planned out our new day to day life, and he… Alastor, it was weeks and weeks before there was even light in his eyes again. Then…Hell finally had its king, everything was going so well, and I… ruined that. Lucifer and I are still married, we will always be king and queen, but… I made a poor decision. So poor that he has never looked at me the same way since.”

“The ill-fated uprising?”

“He told you. Of course.”

“No details, just that it happened, when he was telling me about the exterminations. He believes that to be his failing; I, respectfully, disagree.”

“As do I. I told myself it was for the betterment of our people, but it was selfishness. And I broke my husband a second time. I wasn’t sure I’d ever see him as a king again… until the night he met you.”

“O-Oh?” Alastor felt himself grow warm. “He… he never…”

“He wouldn’t tell you outright, would he?” the blonde laughed. “Scaring you off is perhaps his biggest worry, at least, until Charlotte starts dating.”

This… did explain why Lilith had such patience with her husband, why she was willing to be the ringleader in his absence, even if he was still the figurehead. “Why me?” the man asked. “It’s the one thing I’ve wondered since this whole thing began, and all Lucifer will say is that I’m ‘interesting.’”

“You are,” the woman replied. “He’s very taken with you, period, even if… Hm…”

“Even if what?”

“Sometimes, Lucifer can see what could be in a single person, as long as they’re in their element. What he saw in you, sees in you when you kill, well… Even if you weren’t interested in him otherwise, you are someone he wants with him.”

“Why?”

“I think I’ve already said too much.”

Alastor knew if Lilith didn’t want to say more, she wouldn’t, but he had to know what Lucifer saw in himself. “Lilith, I’ve been honest with him every step of the way. What can I do to assure you of that?”

The blonde was still looking at him, not the hardened gaze from before, but still in suspicion. “Luci tells me that the most important person to you seems to be your mother.” He gave a wary nod. “Swear to me that you mean Lucifer no harm- on your mother’s life.”

That was fair. “Lilith, on my mother’s life, I mean Lucifer no unwanted harm- be it physical or emotional.”

She smirked. “Nice touch.”

“Thank you. Might I… know what he saw in me?”

The woman smiled and reached up to hook a finger under his chin. “Ambition. Charisma. Power. Fierce loyalty. A truly formidable… overlord.”

’An overlord? Me? Why not me? Of course. This explains… everything. Doesn’t it?’ The woman released her touch, the brunet’s mind reeling. “Would he still…?” He cut himself off before finishing the embarrassing question.

“I said that just now, didn’t I?” Lilith spoke in the same chiding tone she’d used when he’d refused to call her by name. “Even without that all that, he’d still be very taken with you, Alastor. He likes you, and nothing but your outright refusal of him will keep him away.” She smiled. “Come now, let me show you something else I’m sure will brighten your mood.”

He didn’t respond, taking in a mouthful of whiskey, but watched her work to bring up another memory.

“This was a couple nights ago, the first party of the season. Luci’s kind of expected to make an entrance, but I think he enjoys it, too.”

“The hour-long rant I listened to the night before would suggest otherwise,” Alastor chuckled.

“Oh, he does put up a fight, but once he gets there, well, take a look.”

He did, and nearly dropped his glass. Lucifer was descending a large, wide staircase but as the king the man was, fully suited and transformed, but his wings. His wings gracefully spanned into all the space the blond didn’t fill, making his short stature immaterial. Each step taken was purposeful and from a form held with a regality Alastor had never seen before in the paler man. The man he knew was shy, silly, and a ball of nerves. The image before him showed a man who was king and fucking dared you to challenge the fact. “Holy shit,” Alastor breathed.

“Indeed,” Lilith chuckled. “Believe me now?”

“I should be punished for doubting you.”

The woman laughed lightly. “Tempting, but you probably would see a punishment, I can’t have that.”

Alastor paused. Had she just flirted with him? Was that okay? Probably not, but both Lucifer and Lilith clearly played by different rules than he was familiar with.

“I didn’t mean to make it awkward, Love, sorry,” she smiled, lowering her hands. “You’re truly an interesting character, Alastor,” she told him, and stood. “I’ll take my leave now; enjoy the rest of your night.”

He was no longer sure he would.

Alastor didn’t even need one hand to count all the times he’d actually felt a desire to take care of that alleged bodily need himself, and even then, well… it was, as he’d told Lucifer, akin to having a brand-new car and nowhere to drive. The urge had been there (sort of), but it was much easier to douse himself in cold water rather than deal with it. Despite what he knew his mother wanted, it wasn’t as if he were going to do any form of settling down and was perfectly fine with it.

That said.

Finding someone that didn’t care he was a moonlighting serial killer, and he could stand to be in the same room with for more than an hour had been unthinkable, and yet, here he was. Hell, the two of them had even fooled around a bit and Lucifer’s reactions and expressions had made even that delightful. It was even more delightful that he didn’t come over expecting it just because it had happened once.

That said.

Alastor wouldn’t be opposed to it happening again, and that was a new feeling altogether. But if they continued to grow closer, things were going to come up that he had absolutely no desire to discuss, even with Lucifer, but things the blond deserved to know. ’I thought anything physical with him was unthinkable, too, but was enjoyable… And he didn’t ask about…’

A sigh, and he got up to check on dinner.

&&
&&

You make my heart feel like it’s summer
When the rain is pouring down
You make my whole world feel so right when it’s wrong
That’s how I know you are the one
That’s how I know you are the one

&&
&&

Thin, red-tipped nails glided down a pale, bare back. At the same time, a long, warm tongue ran up the same spine. “Let me see them,” a voice like Alastor’s, but distorted, whispered roughly in the blond’s ear, “Let me see them.”

Three sets of wings unfurled from the paler man’s back, and those fingers reverently ran through the red and white feathers, the lean muscles underneath flexing and shuddering with the light touch.

A needy whine left the king. “A-Al, please.”

“Please what?” the almost-familiar tone persisted before sinking his teeth into the heavenly honey pulsing underneath his perfect pale skin.

Lucifer cried out his own pleasure, bucking up against the larger body keeping his own firmly in place. “N… No more teasing…”

The same warm tongue lapped at the shoulder wound. “Say it.”

“A-Al, I…”

&

Alastor woke with labored breathing, sweating, and felt warmer than he ever had, even in the dead of a Southern summer. There was a wetness between his legs unlike anything he’d ever managed on his own- even feeling it dampen the sheet.

One hell of a road.

Fighting to keep the images in his mind, he let his fingers slide inside himself, moaning softly at the contact. Each swipe and slide sent a sent a sensation he felt through his entire body, already too far along to think of being embarrassed at the state he was in. He could almost still feel Lucifer’s silken feathers, the light, savory taste of his blood, the heat emanating off his skin…

The orgasm hit him hard, nearly knocking the air out of him- the man rolled to his side to better catch his breath.

“Holy Hell,” he breathed. ’I hope it doesn’t knock the wind out me like that every time… Most people do start this shit in their teens…’ Alastor made to move and realized he now had another problem- a very wet one.

With a low growl of annoyance, the brunet got up to wash himself off as best he could, grabbed his pillow and a spare blanket, and decided to sleep on the couch.

The mess could wait until morning.

&&

He didn’t have any more dreams that night, but when Alastor woke in the morning, he found himself almost immediately remembering the one he had dreamt- and not because he woke up on the couch rather than in bed.

Well, not just because he woke up on the couch rather than in bed.

He could still see the images that had played in his mind clearly, but the vividness from the night before had gone. ’Probably only a matter of time before that’s gone too,’ he realized, and was surprised at just how much the thought saddened him.

The wings had definitely been Lucifer’s… “So, it would be safe to assume….” He trailed, looking over one of his own hands. Did one’s appearance change after death, or had those been gloves? It had yet to happen around the king, but there were times Alastor didn’t even want his mother to touch him.

Had they been together… despite that happening? Was it just a delusion of an overworked mind? If there was a being who could coerce such behavior out of himself despite a day like that, it would be Lucifer.

It had already happened once, although there hadn’t been any coercion on either of their parts.

Lucifer didn’t really seem the type for coercion anyway- at least, not in situations like this. Who knew what tactics the man used as- Oh. Wait. If those had been gloves in his dream, it would make more sense, he realized remembering how much the king had liked watching himself just put them on. A bit more of a kink than initially realized, then.

If nothing else, the king seemed to cherish his personal relationships and do all he could to hold on to them. There’s weren’t many that could retain a civil relationship with their ex-spouse. So really, if there was anyone to try this physical thing out with, the king of Hell actually wasn’t a bad choice.

’Something to think about while I’m cleaning that mess up,’ Alastor sighed to himself then, begrudgingly pulling himself up. Tomorrow was Saturday, and Lucifer was coming over- there would be plenty of time to figure out how to articulate himself.

Hopefully.

&&
&&

While Lucifer’s current existence was deeply tied to the passion of Pride and all that had to do with it, there were aspects of himself that couldn’t quite relinquish the heavenly entity he’d once been.

For instance.

He’d just arrived at (teleported to) Alastor’s house. The darker-toned man hadn’t noticed him yet, busy with a couple pots on the stove. A perfectly ordinary activity for the man- with one exception.

Anxiety was thick in the air. Even the king’s first visit hadn’t garnered this much anxious energy.

There was cheery music playing, but Alastor’s long legs weren’t taking any of the light-hearted steps he usually took while cooking.

It was concerning, and the newcomer was at odds with himself about whether or not he should say something. ’In any case, I should say ‘hello’ first,’ the blond reasoned, and tapping on the doorframe as he usually did.

Alastor nearly tripped over his own feet looking over to his visitor.

’Okay, something is definitely wrong.’ But questioning the brunet would be a delicate matter; if he didn’t want to talk about it, he wouldn’t be talking. “My, my,” Lucifer greeted his host warmly as he took his seat at the table. “A little lost in thought, were you?”

“A little,” the taller man admitted. “I haven’t made this in a while; it takes more attention than I remember. But it should be done soon.”

“No hurry.” That was a good excuse, but it also didn’t seem likely that a recipe would have the man so riled. If he was truly so uncertain about it, the Alastor he knew would have made it before now to be certain he’d get the results desired. Maybe it was work? “How was your week?” Lucifer asked as casually as he could muster, sorry it had been so long since his last visit.

“Average,” came the mutter, clicking the stove’s dials off. “If I didn’t find Claire so amusing, I might have actually snapped at her by now.”

The newcomer did have a laugh at that, then watched his companion pull two bowls out and serve them both portions. “It smells delicious; I can’t imagine what you’re so worried about.”

Alastor had a soft smile while placing the dishes on the table. “As usual, you give me far too much credit, Your Highness.”

The title seemed to have become akin to a nickname, and not one the king minded. Every time, it reminded him of when he’d met the taller man. “Carl still an asshole?”

“The universe would implode if Carl stopped being an asshole,” Alastor deadpanned.

The statement made them both laugh, and for a time after, the two ate in companionable silence. Lucifer continued to note that the brunet was fidgeting, but he wasn’t going to force the reason from the man.

Not yet, anyway. He had till they were done eating to fess up on his own.

Interestingly enough, Alastor seemed to have set that deadline for himself, too. He’d collected their plates, brought them to the sink, then come back to sit with the shorter man, his own shoulders stiff. Just what was going on in that man’s head??

“Lucifer, I, ah, wanted to speak on a… certain matter.”

“Does it have anything to do with why you’ve been so jumpy tonight?”

The darker-toned man’s lips thinned at being seen through. “It does,” he replied curtly. “I’ve found myself wondering certain… things.”

“Oh? What things?” Lucifer kept his tone light in an attempt to ease both their nerves.

“It is… difficult to explain.”

“Do you want me to leave and not come back?”

“What?” he actually looked disgusted. “No.”

“Denying me your company is the only thing you could say that would upset me, Alastor. And if that’s not what this is, please, tell me what’s bothering you.”

He was still quiet for a few beats. “I have… never really ever wanted to have sex, but I still don’t have any desire for it, exactly, but… should I have any future experiences in the area, I do want them to be with you.”

Lucifer was floored at the words. “You do?”

“You’re… so expressive, just in conversation… but in a time like that, you’re truly a sight to behold.”

The king felt so warm that, for a second, he thought he might actually have a fever. “I-I see,” he managed.

“And I dearly hope I haven’t completely ruined everything between us.”

“Not at all,” the blond smiled softly. “I’m humbled, if you can believe it; I haven’t flushed that hard in 6,000 years.”

“O-Oh. I, ah, assume since you and Lilith… became serious?”

“Mm.” He paused before posing, “So, now what?”

Alastor opened his mouth to respond, then faltered.

“I’m not,” the shorter man chuckled nervously. “I’m not saying we have to jump right into bed this second, but… I am curious as to… what you could see happening, unless we’ve already hit that marker, which, of course, is perfectly fine as well.”

Alastor’s visage became twice as dark, lower lip bitten on in a sad attempt at hiding his embarrassment. “Before that, I…Shit. There- there is something I… Well. ‘Want’ is the wrong word. At the same time, I do want you to know, I just also have no desire to talk about it. You did say you already knew some things about me on sight…”

Lucifer’s worry was starting to grow again. “I told you all I know,” he replied carefully. “But, um, if there is something else, I actually do have a spell for that.”

The darker-toned man’s expression perked up a bit. “Oh?”

“It does involve touching, though.”

“With you, that’s fine.”

Lucifer laid his hands out on the table, palms up, and gestured for his companion to lay his own on top of them.

Alastor did.

“I’m gonna say a bunch of stuff you’re not gonna understand and give you a nod. When I do, just think about whatever it is you want me to know.”

“All right.”

He looked nervous. Still contained for most, but for Alastor, he was nearly coming undone, still twitchy and his conflicted emotions clear on his face. The blond spoke the needed incantation, nodded to the other man, who closed his expressive eyes to think.

Alastor… hadn’t been born male, but only his mother had known that for quite some time. The man’s father had already shown himself to be quite the ‘winner’ to the woman and didn’t want the same for her child. Missy had hoped that if her husband thought the child was a boy, then said child would have a kinder father.
Yes and no. Alastor’s father was a pretty high believer in toxic masculinity and was hard into passing that on.

Missy was able to keep the secret until her child was in his early teens, when puberty began to strike. Alastor’s body had started growing and changing as nature dictated, unaware of the danger he was in. Missy kept these changes hidden as long as she could, but…

God.

Alastor, not completely aware that his own father was the reason his mother was so insistent on keeping his gender a secret, had come in from the rain one afternoon, and his father had demanded he discard his sopping wet clothes at the door. The preteen had tried to dissuade him, but…

The man’s grim features were deeply etched into Alastor’s psyche, even now, as he was manhandled into losing his wet clothes, then realization hitting him before charging two rooms over to beat on his wife for the deception.

Missy had been folding laundry and humming to herself, and when Alastor tried to pull the man away from her, his anger turned on the child.

He dragged Alastor to the kitchen to throw him against a wall- then came for him with a large knife. The preteen tried to get away, but was pulled back before he could even get to his feet.

Then… then he…

“Lucifer?”

The blond head snapped to attention.

“Please; I’m not worth all that.”

All-? Oh. His face was wet. There were even small puddles on the table. “Disagree. He mutilated you so badly, you were in the hospital almost a year.”

“And a miracle infection or sepsis didn’t get to me before then. I remember.”

Was… that what Claire had met, the first time they’d spoken? Alastor surviving that experience had been a legitimate miracle?

“Mother did ask me if I wanted to continue as I was, or… there didn’t seem to be much point in changing; it wasn’t as if anyone would be able to tell, and it does tend to be easier to be male in this world.” He let out a small, humorless scoff. “If had just done as he asked, maybe I could have gotten up the stairs without-“

“Stop. That man’s inability to parent is no fault of yours. Is that who you want me to find?”

Dark eyes glanced down at their still- joined hands. “Ah…”

“Oh! Right, sorry.” Lucifer tried to pull away, but the taller man held tight.

“Yes. I’d gladly kill him over and over again for all the pain he put Mother and myself through.”

“…There are more permanent solutions.”

“Oh? Are angelic weapons so easy to come by?”

“Oh, no, not at all- but there’s always ripping his soul apart.”

Alastor’s perk in interest was almost childlike it its glee. “Oh?”

“Quite painful, I hear.”

“Interesting…”

Maybe he wasn’t supposed to hear, but their hands were still joined, and Alastor didn’t seem to want that to stop, so the king knew just how giddy the brunet was, not only at the thought, but that he was actually getting ideas from himself.

Poor guy wasn’t used to having a co-conspirator. It was cute.

Alastor did unlatch one of his hands then, but it was to take Lucifer’s remaining hand into both his own- and lay a soft kiss on it. “I am not cute,” he spoke with a watered-down glare.

“Whoa, whoa- that should not be going both ways, I-“

“I didn’t hear it; it’s all over your face.”

“…Oh.” He suddenly felt warm.

“Keeping some secrets, Your Highness?”

Lucifer snorted. “Nothing that really affects you, especially at this point.”

“Then why all the panic?”

Alastor’s voice was velvety soft, dark eyes peering over his glasses inquisitively. The audacity in looking so damn adorable. “You know I can literally read your mind right now, right?”

Alastor smiled. He tried for innocently, but it didn’t really work.

“And I’m warning you now, you start acting like that around me, you better be ready to back it up, Al.”

The brunet head rose, but in confusion. “Still? Even after what I just told you?”

As said, their hands were still joined, the spell still in effect. So, before Lucifer could even ask why that would possibly matter, the darker-toned man’s thought hit him:

’I’m only attractive with a shirt on.’

“Oh, hell no- you did not just think that about yourself.”

Dark eyes glanced down, himself now reminded of the enchantment. “Right, shit… Spare me the lecture, will you, Lucifer?”

“I cooooould…. Orrrrrr…”

Alastor groaned, head thunking on the table.

“I could show you my exact thoughts on the matter.”

The brunet head lifted, dark eyes wide. For a moment, the shorter man thought he’d overstepped- until Alastor gave a nod. A little unsteady, but a nod, gaze back on their joined hands.

Lucifer began to softly chant once more, focusing on the very thing he dearly hoped didn’t frighten the other man off.

Alastor’s eyes remained trained on their hands while the scenario played out in his mind. He didn’t look angry, at least, just… just stunned. The blond had only gotten a brief glimpse in his companion’s memories of what he looked like shirtless as an adult, was certain there were details he was off on, but what he had seemed to be getting the point across.

The taller man was quiet, so quiet, expression unchanging… “Al?”

Dark eyes shifted to the king. “Okay,” he spoke only, already sounding breathless.

“Okay?”

“What… you showed me, I… I think that would be okay.”

“Oh. Oh! Great!”

“I… wouldn’t mind seeing… if there’s anything else floating around in that creative head of yours.”

Yellow-red eyes blinked. “Creative? Me?”

“Yes, you,” Alastor chuckled.

Only Lily had ever called him that- and he was 1000% percent sure she’d been trying to cheer him up. Not that he thought she hadn’t meant the words, but-
Getting off point. “I’m fairly… flexible… Was there by chance anything floating around in your head?”

Alastor turned twice as dark in an instant.

“That’s a ‘yes,’” the king grinned.

“Not… exactly….,” the brunet managed. “Could you just…?”

“Sure,” was the bright reply. Ohhh, that whole ‘angels being portrayed genderless’ thing. Al’s over-analytic brain hadn’t known what to imagine and had instead short-circuited.

So, Lucifer, being the gracious being he was, filled in the blank. “I can go with whatever I want,” he spoke mischievously. “You happen to have a preference?”

“I… don’t know.”

“That’s okay.” Realizing they’d gotten wildly off track and his companion was breaching wildly uncomfortable, Lucifer stood. He still held onto the taller man’s hand, but kicked himself up, wings making a brief appearance so he stayed aloft long enough to smoothly land in the seat next to Alastor. “May I?”

A nod, now more intrigued than anything. “Could… I try something?”

“Sure.”

Slowly, the brunet moved toward him, uncertainly alien on his face. “I… don’t want to kiss, but…” he trailed, a warm tongue sloping up a pale neck. “But you smell so good.”

It nagged the back of the king’s mind that he should probably ask for some details on that statement, but all he could voice was, “Please, Al; do that again.”

He did.

And while Alastor continued to familiarize himself with every curve of his neck and collar, Lucifer dared to pull his own bowtie loose while shifting to the taller man’s lap. Alastor swallowed hard, but allowed it, again burying his face in every bit of pale skin he could reach. The blond groaned his appreciation, pulling him as close as possible, claws gently combing brunet hair. The darker-toned man shuddered as those claws made their way down his neck, a soft moan on his lips. “That’s okay, is it?” the king purred.

A nod, and took hold of his free hand to slowly wrap his mouth around one long, black finger- and softly suck a few moments, then let the digit go to let his tongue then run down the palm to latch right back onto his partner’s pale neck.

While Alastor continued to familiarize himself with the slopes of his neck, Lucifer dared to let a hand snake down between his own legs, pressing on the growing heat gathering there.

His companion noticed. “Ah-“

“Oh, don’t mind me, as you were- unless I just made it weird.” Dark eyes glanced down to the offending hand again, then slowly shook his head. “Not… weird, but… what is it you expect of me?”

“I don’t want anything you don’t want to give.”

A slow nod, then Alastor leaned down again- to bite down sharply on his partner’s neck. The paler man groaned appreciatively, again working his hand against himself. The king was pleasantly surprised to feel his shirt being undone- even if the brunet chose to remain dressed, this could prove very interesting, indeed.
Then he felt a sharp canine break his skin. Not that it didn’t feel good, but knowing Alastor, he was going to see golden blood and immediately-

Take a lick. Yeah. For someone so smart, that was exceptionally stupid; even Lucifer didn’t know what, if any, repercussions that action could have for the taller man. “Al, that’s enough.”

But instead of releasing him, the grip on his hips strengthened, teeth grinding even harder into his skin. Fucking cannibal.

“Al,” he warned again.

More of the same.

Lucifer worked a hand free, gripped Alastor by the base of his neck, and pushed him back into the chair. Alastor snarled in retaliation, which the king gladly returned, baring his own rows of large, pointed teeth. It was only then that the other man recoiled, looking frightfully embarrassed. “Behave yourself.”

“I’m- I’m sorry, I don’t know what-“

“Stay away from the blood while you’re alive, huh?” the king chuckled as the wound stitched itself back together.

“…Just while I’m alive?”

Lucifer started to laugh.

“What?”

“You r-really have no s-sense of self-self-preservation, d-do you?”

“You are not the first to say that.”

Which made Lucifer laugh harder. But through his laughter, he saw his partner’s gaze lose focus. The brunet head shook a couple times to try and regain it, but he smoothly slid into an almost trance-like gaze. He still had a little blood on his lip. Lucifer brushed his thumb against it and Al caught a finger in his mouth, sucking on it just as he had been earlier. “Al?”

“Mm?” the darker-toned man returned, a small smile in place.

’Did he just go from sober to completely smashed in a second?’

Alastor giggled.

Alastor fucking giggled.

Lucifer’s brain almost shorted out. “Alastor?”

“Still me,” the taller man stated simply. “Do you want to get married?” he asked suddenly, gaze still boring into the king with so much innocence. “Oh, wait, you’re already married. I don’t want Lilith to hate me.”

He was just more honest. Was this how he was completely drunk? The seraph doubted very much that his blood was some kind of truth serum. “Has she said she hates you?” he asked then, already missing the feel of the other’s tongue on his skin.

“I can tell. I can always tell.”

He sounded almost… sad. And maybe a little drowsy.

“Do you want to lie down for a bit, Al?”

He gave a nod, that forlorn look still in place. “Will you stay?”

“Sure.”

Alastor’s smiles usually help the promise of something conspiratorial, but this one was just happy, even taking the shorter man’s hand to lead him to the bedroom and not hesitating to get comfortable himself- so Lucifer happily did the same. Once both were in bed, Alastor gladly made himself comfortable on the king’s shoulder.

Lucifer chuckled and dared to plant a soft kiss in brunet hair.

There was no objection.

’So, it’s just kissing on the mouth he doesn’t like, maybe? Or, he might actually be out already… Whatever. This is fucking comphy and I’m not moving.’

&&
&&

No one ever really believed Alastor’s claim that he had yet to know the pain of a hangover, but the thrumming in his head the next morning was pretty close to what others described. He opened his eyes, winced, and groaned softly.

And realized he wasn’t alone.

Lucifer was still sleeping soundly. They were both still clothed from the previous day, so… ’What happened after I… Shit. That probably wasn’t a smart thing to do… Did I actually pass out? Why… why is he still here?’

Whatever the case, the darker-toned man’s bladder had woken up by then, and he got up to relieve himself. ’Maybe I could make breakfast…’

About fifteen minutes later, French toast was sizzling on the stove, and it was plenty to make the blond appear. “Thanks for not kicking me out,” the newcomer spoke before a yawn hit him.

“Why would I kick you out?”

Shrug. “Jus’ figured you’d be embarrassed, even though you didn’t need to be.”

“And… why did you think that?” Alastor asked, purposefully holding onto the plate meant for his companion.

“You know, just the- you don’t remember,” Lucifer realized.

“Are you going to enlighten me, or am I having your portion for lunch?”

“Hey, I’m willing to tell you- I just don’t know if you’ll believe me.”

The taller man set the plate on the table, then turned back to the stove. “I don’t think you have a reason to lie to me.”

“I don’t, and I’m not going to but your psyche’s gonna have enough trouble with the fact that you proposed-“

A second plate fell to the ground and shattered, surprising the blond.

A snap stitched the fallen dish back together, and Lucifer continued, “You proposed, insisted Lilith hates you, even though she doesn’t, and asked me to stay the night.”

Alastor remained facing the stove, probably to keep his horrified expression hidden.

Lucifer stood to pick up the fallen plate and set it back on the counter next to the other man. “I didn’t mean to upset you,” he spoke carefully. “And all that seemed to be akin to drunken rambling, so I wasn’t taking it too seriously- you shouldn’t, either.”

The brunet’s jaw was still firmly set in place, but he managed a stiff nod.

Had there… maybe been some truth in any of those words? That would explain why he was still shut down… “Unless there’s something we should talk about?”

The brunet groaned now, head hanging.

“Okay, that’s ‘yes,’ but why don’t we just enjoy breakfast for now?”

Another nod, this one a little looser, and Alastor finally started serving himself.

“I can’t remember the last time we had French toast; Charlotte’s all about pancakes now, so we eat that a lot. It smells great!”

“Thank you,” his companion replied mutely, cutting up his pieces.

“…If you’d rather be alone, I can take this to go.”

Alastor’s head hung. “No. That’s… no. Don’t do that. I… Lucifer, this is a situation I never thought I’d be in, and… it’s unsettling, but… I don’t want you to go. Does that make any sense at all?”

“It does, actually.”

“I… I honestly don’t know if it was blood, but I’ m not normally that… forthcoming.”

The statement punched Lucifer in the gut. That had all been honesty. Rather than further tease on the marriage proposal, he offered, “Well, if you like, after breakfast, we could pick up where he left off.”

“I think I just lost my appetite.”

Lucifer snorted. “Okay, just tell me what’s wrong. Please.”

It looked like Alastor might remain tight-lipped, but warily, he moved his left hand from beside his plate to offer it the other man- just as it had been the night before.

Lucifer almost snapped at him to use his big boy words but thought better of it. Taking his hand and muttering the spell that would let him see and hear his companion’s thoughts.

’I don’t know if I’m capable of feeling anything like… love. And you deserve that.’

“Do you have a word for what you do feel?”

For a few moments, both Alastor’s mind and Alastor himself were silent.

“Are you so afraid of me you can’t answer?”

“It’s not that. I think. I enjoy your company, I do know that, and I can’t say that about many people. And… maybe it’s just unique to you, I don’t know, but… my skin doesn’t crawl when you touch me.”

“It could be the whole ‘technically an angel’ thing,” Lucifer admitted, annoyed at the thought.

“I just… I don’t think I told you, I wasn’t sure how you’d react, but…” he trailed off, but his mind continued, ’From when I was very young, I’ve been entranced by your story. Learned every version I could. To look the one who’d created you in the eye, so to speak, and be able to disagree knowing how horribly it could go for you…’ The man took a breath. “I couldn’t help but admire that. And that I’ve gotten to not only meet you, but get to know you, well, I’m certain whatever you asked of me, I’d do. I, ah, know it’s probably not what you want to hear-“

The king couldn’t hold back anymore, pushing himself across the table to press his lips against Alastor’s own. “And I may have just taken advantage of what you just told me, but Al, that sounds a lot like love to me.”

The darker-toned man still looked shell-shocked, but their hands were still joined, and Lucifer could still see his thoughts.

The blond saw himself laid out on Alastor’s bed, completely naked, the man himself hovering over him, still clothed but hands and mouth exploring every inch of the paler form. Given that Alastor hadn’t actually seen himself naked, some things were off, but there was a really easy way to fix that.

“Wow,” the shorter man breathed, tone already half gone. “Can we? N-Now?” he asked, barely stopping himself from adding on a ‘please.’

“…You don’t have anywhere else to be this afternoon?”

“Not for hours!”

“You’re certain?”

“Yep.”

“No angry queen ringing that phone device?”

Lucifer snapped, vanishing his clothes. “I’ll be in your room whenever you want to climb off the damn horse.”

Alastor shot up to follow after, and even picked up the shorter man over his shoulder for the two strides it took to get to his bed before unceremoniously plopping the blond onto it.

Aforementioned blond was not proud of the surprised sound that came out of him in the process, but now landed and now looking up at the darker-toned man, nearly made another.

There was desire in the other man, no doubt, but there was plenty of room to guess what that desire was for. Lucifer even dared to think that this gaze was the last thing Alastor’s victims saw. Why that aroused himself further was his own problem, but not one he was very interested in exploring- especially once that lanky form got on his hands and knees over him. “I can’t decide if you really want to touch me, or if there’s an antler underneath this pillow you’re about to put to use.”

“Lucifer, you’re being silly- there’s no weapon under my pillow.”

“…There is a weapon in this room, though, right?”

“Did you need one? Or would you perhaps prefer a scavenger hunt?”

“N-No, sorry, I just get distracted sometimes, even at times like this. Please know it’s just as a-Ah!” He was cut off by a large hand not only over his mouth, but also pushing his head to the side. An action the king might’ve considered being irritated by, if not for the sharp inhale and low, guttural growl that elicited from his partner. Somebody wanted to get to business, and he couldn’t bring himself to be mad about that. Even more so when he felt fingernails gliding down his side, exerting just enough pressure to surely be leaving red welts in their wake.

Lucifer lifted the hand off his face just enough to let his tongue run up a bony finger before taking it completely in his mouth. Alastor didn’t seem angry or annoyed by the action, but confusion was abundantly present. “You taste pretty good too, you know,” the paler man informed him. “We never did continue our first experiment,
did we?”

“No, but…”

“We don’t have to now, but I’d like to keep it on the agenda.”

The brunet gave a slow nod, and then those hands went to work again. Lucifer was soon a writhing, moaning mess underneath those rough hands. His partner didn’t seem to have any particular goal in mind- other than to drive the blond half out of his mind.

“A-Al, come on. Please.”

“Turn around.”

He did, shivering when those fingers ran smoothly down his spine.

“Can I see them? Your wings?”

’Yeah, sure, whatever; just let me come already,’ he kept to himself as he let the appendages unfurl.

Alastor pulled him close then, the two of them kneeling against each other. Lucifer realized the taller man had angled himself to bury his face in feathers, hand snaking down to slip long fingers into the paler man.

Coherent thought no longer had a place in that room. Lucifer thrust against the fingers rubbing against him, and they felt so good, they did, they really, really, did, but… “Can I help?” he breathed, realizing he had an intense gaze on himself.

“…Yeah.”

“Don’t stop,” the blond breathed, feeling the fingers withdraw. “I said ‘help.’”

A nod, and those long fingers were pushing into him again. In addition, Lucifer slightly adjusted so those fingers pushed by his clit as well. “And rubbing it yourself,” came the amused tone. “Ravenous little thing, aren’t you?”

Lucifer couldn’t reply, he was climbing too quickly now. So close to bubbling over the edge that sarcastic commentary didn’t seem very important.

“I never really cared for this sort of thing, but you really do make it interesting.”

That did it. One off-handed comment and he was both completely grounded and flying, every portion of his being alight with pleasure before relief rushed out of him.

Catching his breath, he looked up at the man still braced against him- and chuckled. Alastor was looking over his own sticky fingers with a curiosity that was almost childlike. “Clean those off for you?”

The brunet’s brow furrowed, but the hand lowered. Rather than snap, the king gently took hold of the appendage to suck the fingers clean himself.

Brown eyes widened in surprise, comprehension still just out of reach. “Why?” he finally asked. “That cannot taste good.”

“All in your perspective, I suppose.”

“Right. I’m gonna go wash my hands.”

“You could,” Lucifer ventured. “Or you could stay here, and I’ll return the favor.”

Alastor remained sitting up, still gazing at his sticky hand as he replied, “I don’t really feel like getting undressed just now.”

He sounded so far away. That wouldn’t do. “Never said you had to,” was the easy-going reply, followed by deadpanned laughter. The look on his companion’s face had to be the most confused expression in the history of all creation. “Sorry, sorry,” the blond managed once he’d calmed. “That look was just so unlike you.” The record was still filtering from the next room, the music soft and melodic, but the underlying percussion upbeat. “But yeah, I mean it, you don’t have to get undressed or even take the offer- I just wanted to make it.”

Alastor paused, glancing between the king and his own sticky fingers. “I must admit, you’ve piqued my curiosity with the former,” came the mutter.
“Then come lay down with me,” Lucifer smiled, sitting back to the point he was nearly already doing so himself.

A longer pause this time, the shorter man wondering if the other man was reconsidering, but abruptly, the brunet shifted to rejoin Lucifer against the mattress. There was so much uncertainty in him, and that he was still staying- now that was attractive.

Lucifer nuzzled the darker-toned neck, inhaling the other man’s musky scent. The same scent as walking through a dense forest, alone but not afraid. Somehow, Alastor smelled like that all the time, and Lucifer took in as much as he possibly could.

He let his hand slide against the taller man’s stomach, feeling every dip and peak that marked his skin through the fabric. Alastor wasn’t making any sort of noise yet, but his breathing was steady, and there wasn’t a sign he was minding the attention. The brunet had closed his eyes, and Lucifer moved to gently remove his glasses and set them on the bedside table, half-lidded dark eyes now gazing up at him.

“Relax,” the paler man urged, and was delighted when the body next to him did exactly that.

Despite his earlier words, there really wasn’t an active goal in mind, but the taller man did seem to be nodding off, calmed rather than aroused by the light touches. It was super cute, and the touches continued until a soft snore was heard.

Lucifer would bet any money Alastor was a light sleeper, so he took a couple slow breaths, so he didn’t laugh. And with the warmth his partner was radiating and the post-orgasmic bliss he was still feeling, a nap sounded absolutely perfect.

&&

The serenity was broken by the king’s ringtone almost two hours later. Said king, long used to the tone, lightly grumbled.

“Lucifer, what the fuck is that noise?”

Oh, right. “My phone, sorry,” the blond managed. “I’ll go get it.” He stumbled to the living room where he’s snapped his things into a neat pile earlier. “Fuck! I’m so late!” he realized at the message from Lilith. “I have to go, she’s gotta be so mad, I-“

“Lucifer.”

“What?” he asked, standing in front of his newly summoned portal.

“You’re still naked.”

The shorter man looked down at himself. “So I am,” he managed, and snapped himself presentable. “How do I look?”

“What are you late for?”

“Parent-teacher conference in Cannibal Town.”

“Good, but that also brings to mind several questions.”

“No time. Text me.” The king blew him a kiss and jumped through the portal, it closing behind him.

Alastor smiled, laying back again. Every inch of that lithe form had been laid bare for him and his eyes alone. He almost felt bad for not reciprocating, but Lucifer had said that he didn’t want anything between them forcibly shared.

What had been shared kept happily humming through his mind on repeat- how flushed that pale skin had become at his touch, the soft whines leaving the king, and just… how willing he was to be touched. How someone, especially someone in Lucifer’s position, could be so bared and vulnerable in front of another…

That level of trust was unfathomable.

Was it too much for the shorter man to ask of himself? No. Did that make it any easier? Also no.

But that dream… and the others since then… Alastor found himself whole heartedly hoping it was a look into the future.

Until then, though, there was a list of questions he still very much wanted answered, and went to look for his phone.